Baron Davis praises 'rebirth' in Cleveland, honors grandparents with uniform number

Baron Davis thinks joining the Cavaliers will be a new beginning, so he's selected uniform No. 85 as a tribute to where it all started.

"It's a special number," he said in his first meeting with the Cleveland media before Sunday's game against Philadelphia. "That's the street my grandmother lives on. I can get back to my roots ... even if I have to dribble in the snow to get to the gym."

Davis grew up in Los Angeles and was raised by his grandparents. His grandfather put up a basketball court in the backyard. After starring at UCLA, Davis' pro career took him to Charlotte, New Orleans and Golden State before he eventually signed as a free agent with his hometown Clippers. But things never worked out there and by early this year, owner Donald Sterling actually was heckling Davis from his courtside seat.

"You never expect the person who signed you to a contract to be the one who hates you the most," Davis admitted.

"I look at it as a rebirth, a new beginning," Davis said. "I'm excited, just watching this team. Having played for coach Scott, I know we're together for a reason. There's some things my game can benefit from just playing in his system. I'm just looking forward to the challenge to come out play with a lot of passion entertaining basketball and give it my all for the fans of Cleveland."

Davis has a swollen left knee that will have to heal before he can play.

"Hopefully, not long," he said when asked how long he thought he'd be out. "I have to tend to the swelling. The faster I can lift weights and get out there on the court, the faster that can happen."