Some Knicks are surprised point guard Baron Davis did not make his debut on their four-game recent road trip, according to a person familiar with the situation.
Despite the club’s crisis-level 1-9 slide in their past 10 games, Davis, who has not played this season because of herniated disks, keeps postponing his Knicks debut after returning to practice one week ago because he feels he is not sharp or strong enough yet in scrimmages.
Davis’ return still is up in the air, and a source said it could be one week before he makes his Knicks debut. Davis will practice today in his first 5-on-5 scrimmage since last Monday, and unless he looks terrific, he won’t play tomorrow against the Pistons at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks would like to know what they have in Davis because it could affect their interest level in power forward Kenyon Martin. An NBA source said the Knicks “are in consideration’’ along with five clubs, including the Heat. Martin could be eligible in mid-to-late February after getting out of his contract in China.
In order to make room for Martin, however, the Knicks would have to cut point guard Jeremy Lin, who has a non-guaranteed contract. Lin played the game’s final 20 minutes Saturday, finishing with nine points and six assists and looking aggressive. D’Antoni may have wanted to see what he has in Lin because he could be needed as insurance for Davis.
The Post reported last month Carmelo Anthony wants the Knicks to sign Martin, his former Nuggets teammate.
The point-guard situation is becoming an even greater wreck. D’Antoni replaced ailing rookie Iman Shumpert as starting point guard Saturday with inconsistent Toney Douglas, who still has not fully recovered from shoulder surgery. Veteran Mike Bibby has been ineffective.