Baron Davis
The hometown star who promised to change the Clippers' fortunes.
Baron Davis signed with his hometown Los Angeles Clippers on July 10, 2008, agreeing to a 5-year, $65 million deal. He initially decided to join with the intent of playing with Elton Brand, but Brand opted out to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. Davis said Brand's departure had no impact on his decision. Prior to Davis's arrival, the Clippers had never won their division or conference and had only advanced past the first round of the playoffs twice since entering the league in 1970. Davis promised to change that, and fans remained excited to have a star who could compete with crosstown rival Kobe Bryant's popularity.
- Role
- Point Guard
- Affiliation
- Los Angeles Clippers
- All-Star Selections
- 2
- Status
- Retired Legend
Lore & Background
Davis's first year with the Clippers was marked with a series of injuries and disappointments, as the Clippers struggled to a 19–63 record. Davis was only able to play 65 games, and saw his points per game average and field goal percentage take a steep decline. Despite this, Davis did produce a few bright spots. On November 22, he scored 30 points and handed out 10 assists. The season was a far cry from the promise of his arrival, as the team failed to compete with crosstown rival Kobe Bryant's Lakers.
In Their Own Story
The Clippers had never even won their division or conference, and had only advanced past the first round of the playoffs twice since entering the league in 1970. Baron Davis promised to change that. But his first season was a struggle: injuries limited him to 65 games, the team stumbled to a 19–63 record, and his scoring and shooting percentages dropped sharply. Still, there were flashes — like November 22, when he scored 30 points and handed out 10 assists — that reminded fans of the star they had brought home.
Reader's Guide
Baron Davis officially signed with the Los Angeles Clippers on July 10, 2008, agreeing to a 5-year, $65 million deal. He initially decided to join with the intent of playing with Elton Brand, but Brand shockingly opted out of his contract to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. After officially signing, Davis said that Brand's departure had no impact on his decision to come to Los Angeles. Prior to Davis's arrival, the Clippers had never even won their division or conference, and had only advanced past the first round of the playoffs twice since entering the league in 1970. Davis promised to change that, and despite Brand's departure, Clippers fans remained excited to have a star who could compete with crosstown rival Kobe Bryant's popularity. Davis's first year with the Clippers was marked with a series of injuries and disappointments, as the Clippers struggled to a 19–63 record in which Davis was only able to play 65 games, and saw his points per game average and field goal percentage take a steep decline. Despite this, Davis did produce a few bright spots on the year. On November 22, he scored 30 points and handed out 10 assists.
Did You Know?
- Baron Davis signed a 5-year, $65 million deal with the Clippers on July 10, 2008.
- He initially decided to join the Clippers with the intent of playing with Elton Brand, but Brand opted out to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.
- Prior to Davis's arrival, the Clippers had never won their division or conference and had only advanced past the first round of the playoffs twice since entering the league in 1970.
- In his first season with the Clippers, the team struggled to a 19–63 record and Davis was limited to 65 games.
- On November 22, Davis scored 30 points and handed out 10 assists for the Clippers.