Remembering how good former Bruin Baron Davis was

Baron Davis was the top recruit at point guard in the country in 1996. He decided to take his talents to Westwood to join the UCLA Bruins. The Gatorade National Player of the Year came with a lot of attention. But he made sure to live up to the expectations. Leading UCLA to 24-9 often sharing the backcourt with fellow freshman Earl Watson.

UCLA was rolling into the Sweet 16 before Davis tore his ACL and ended UCLA’s run. As they were no match for Kentucky who cruised to a 94-68 victory. The impact of Davis really showed as none of the Bruins could create their own shot. Leading to a night where they shot 29%. Davis simply could score the ball on his own or create for other players, displaying how integral he was to the team.

Davis showing his resiliency was able to return from injury for his sophomore year. This was seen as a big deal, as torn ACLs were not as advanced in medical terminology as they are today. Although his shooting efficiency was down, he was still able to score the ball and show his burst. UCLA finished with a 22-9 record but were upset in the first round of the tournament as a five seed to Detroit Mercy. Davis would head to the NBA shortly after and become the third pick of the 1999 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets.

Davis after averaging 13.6 points and 5.1 assists per game at UCLA. Picked up in the NBA where he left off in college. Being able to score the ball and create shots for others. Over the course of his NBA career, he averaged 16.1 points and 7.2 assists per game. Creating an NBA career that span over 13 years with two All-Star appearances and one All-NBA team. Which might’ve gone longer if it wasn’t for a brutal knee injury suffered as a member of the New York Knicks in 2012.

Davis had some of his best seasons as a member of the Golden State Warriors. Helping them to an upset playoff victory as an eight seed over the Dallas Mavericks. That same playoffs against the Utah Jazz he most notably had one of the most famous dunks in NBA history. Davis will forever be a UCLA Hall of Fame member. With a storied career both in college and the NBA. It will always be an unknown how great he could have been if injuries didn't derail some of his seasons.