NEW YORK — Knicks point guard Baron Davis disclosed Monday that he suffered an infection in his right elbow that triggered further back problems and caused him to shut it down beginning in late January.
“My elbow started really hurting in Miami,” Davis said before the Knicks hosted the Utah Jazz. “I couldn’t even lift my arm when I got out of bed but I practiced that day (Jan. 26). I couldn’t really shoot the ball but I was still out there. When I came back to the hotel, I wasn’t feeling good at all.”
Davis hasn’t played yet this season because of a herniated disk in his back, and said the elbow infection further worsened his back condition.
“I was just pushing and pushing and pushing and I think the elbow triggered something obviously that caused me to have some hiccups in my back,” he said. “More than anything I think the rest helped. It’s got me refreshed and rejuvenated. I had a good workout today.”
He said he’s feeling better but remains uncertain when he will return.
“I’m looking to have a great week and think this week is the week that I can get back to doing my cardio, moving back to getting on the court, getting my shooting and starting working my routine that I had right before I was getting ready to be cleared to practice,” he said. “So this week I’m looking to have a big week and just focus hard on what I have to do with my heart and my body.”
Without Davis, head coach Mike D’Antoni has turned to rookie Jeremy Lin of Harvard, who gets his first start after a 27-point, 7 assist night Saturday in the win over the Nets.
Davis said Lin has provided a necessary “spark” to the Knicks, losers of 11 of their last 14.
“I’m always talking to Jeremy, and it was just a joy to see him have that type of game,” Davis said. “He’s a downhill player, so in this offense it really works. We talked about, as guards, putting as much pressure on the defense as you can, and getting into the middle of the paint. And so many things happen when you put pressure on the defense.
“He’s a smart player. He’s quick, so when I’m playing 3-on-3 or 5-on-5, he’s usually the person I’m guarding. If I can stay in front of this guy, then I have to be alright to be out there. He has the confidence. We have the confidence in him to go out to play his game.”
As for Davis, D’Antoni said he doesn’t expect him to play before the Feb. 26 All-Star Game.
PHoto: ESPN
