Davis to Knicks: I'll be worth the wait

Coming off the bench suits Baron Davis just fine. After more than 12 years in the NBA, the veteran point guard isn't looking to fight for more playing time or the spotlight.

Six months ago his future seemed uncertain as he weighed the prospect of retirement against returning -- once again -- from injury. But although he's far from playing like the Baron of old, Davis knows he made the right decision.

The court is where he belongs. And though the productivity isn't there just yet, the fire remains. And in time, Davis believes the Garden fans will witness his passion translate into more points and more assists as the Knicks grow together as a team.

"When Coach [Mike D'Antoni] looks to the bench, we want to come in with that fire," said the backup point guard, who had one point and six assists in 13:56 during last night's 99-82 win over Atlanta. "And just really change the tempo of the game and push that lead up and really make a difference."

Davis, who spent the past nine months recovering from a herniated disk in his back, conceded he's still rusty. But he said he felt more comfortable last night than he did in his Knicks debut against the Nets Monday.

"I was just trying to enforce my will on the game and try to play with some energy and some excitement," said Davis, 32. "I thought the first game, I was a little tentative. I didn't have any presence and I was kind of holding back."

The lack of practice time certainly has hindered Davis' progress. And it also has stunted the Knicks' ability to jell. Though the collective talent is there, Davis said the team still has "a long road ahead of us."

SEE PHOTOSLong Island in the pros: NBA edition

D'Antoni said he's looking forward to their post-All-Star break schedule, which features one game next week and five practices. That time will be spent developing camaraderie, instituting plays and ironing out the kinks on offense and defense.

"He is getting there," the coach said of Davis, a two-time All-Star. "He hasn't played for over a year. He laid in bed for about three months with a bad back and this is to be expected. I can see a little stuff that is good and you see where he is rusty, but he is going to be good."

And once the veteran gets more acclimated with his new teammates, D'Antoni said the sky's the limit for Davis and Jeremy Lin.

"It is going to be a nice little tandem that we have coming in and nothing should drop off," the coach said. "And that is not normal around the NBA, to have two guys that could play the way they will play."

Davis' next challenge awaits him in Miami Thursday night, when the Knicks take on the Heat. But despite his limited action this season, Davis couldn't be more thrilled about the opportunity.

"I'm excited about every game," he said. "Especially for me, 'cause I didn't really think I would be here."