Baron Davis signs with Knicks

GREENBURGH, N.Y. - The New York Knicks have signed point guard Baron Davis, adding another piece to their backcourt.

Davis joined the Knicks after the Cleveland Cavaliers waived him last week and designated him as their amnesty player so his salary wouldn't count against their cap figure. The Knicks were looking to fortify their backcourt, where they are slated to start third-year Toney Douglas and second-year player Landry Fields.

It's unknown when Davis can play after sitting out all of preseason thus far with a back injury.

Davis played in 58 games last season, averaging 13.1 points and 6.7 assists for the Clippers and Cavaliers. The two-time All-Star has averaged 16.5 points and 7.3 assists since being drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the No. 3 overall pick in the 1999 draft.

The Knicks are prepared to go with Toney Douglas as their starting point guard, but the third-year player is inconsistent, shooting just 2 for 6 for five points in New York's 92-83 exhibition victory over New Jersey on Saturday.

Where the Knicks will likely continue to struggle is the defensive end, says CBSSports.com's Royce Young. Davis isn't known as much of a defender, so the addition of Tyson Chandler could be very important to seal off all those drives given up by Davis and Carmelo.