NBA

Knicks’ Davis preaches patience

LOS ANGELES — Baron Davis said the Knicks’ 1-2 start should not be cause for alarm, feeling the rushed training camp has hurt them more than most teams.

Of course, that Davis hasn’t played also hurts. The guard, battling a herniated disk, wants to be 100 percent when he comes back and said the cry for his return should be muted.

Davis still is working off his agent’s extended timetable, which would be five-to-seven weeks from now, though coach Mike D’Antoni said yesterday he’s thinking late January.

“I wouldn’t start being skeptical until we start getting into better condition as a team,’’ Davis said. “We know every step we take is a stepping stone to where we want to be in at the end of the season.

“This is a third game into a rushed season, a short training camp. The way I look at it, it’s still training camp and preseason. A lot of teams that will be there at the end aren’t playing great basketball right now. Some teams are. This happens. For us, it’s the result of a shortened season more than anything.’’

Davis is doing daily back-strengthening exercises and won’t a circle a return date, but five weeks is a good estimation. It all depends on how Davis’ back responds to the Knicks’ new course of rehab.

“The most important thing is to be patient,’’ Davis said. “I’m working every day and been able to do a little bit more. We have a great medical staff. I want to be 100 percent when I get there. Nothing more, nothing less.”

* Today will be the Knicks’ first look at former BYU superstar Jimmer Fredette, the rookie out of upstate Glens Falls, N.Y. The Knicks liked him in the draft but not enough to trade up from the 17th slot.

Kings merchandise sales, according to CNBC, is up 540 percent from December of last year. Three-quarters of the increase is due to the presence of Fredette. He has come off the bench for the Kings, averaging 24.7 minutes and 10 points in his three games.