By Ian Begley
New York Knicks point guard Baron Davis could return by late January. Speaking before Monday night's game against Charlotte, coach Mike D'Antoni reiterated that Davis will be reevaluated later this month. At that point, if all is well, he will be given a specific timetable for his return.
D'Antoni said Davis could return to the floor by "the end of January, more or less. That won't change until we get closer. That might be a little longer, might be a little shorter."
On the day he agreed to a deal with the Knicks, Davis said the herniated disk in his back could sideline him 8-10 weeks.
But, at the time, a source close to Davis told ESPNNewYork.com that 8-10 weeks is a conservative estimate and, if his rehabilitation goes well, Davis could return in 4-6 weeks "if not sooner."
If Davis returns by late January, it would be roughly six weeks since he was acquired by the Knicks.
The Knicks signed Davis to a veteran's minimum contract after he was released by the Cleveland Cavaliers via the amnesty clause.
It will be interesting to see how Davis fits into the Knicks' backcourt. The Knicks began the season with Toney Douglas at point guard. On Saturday, Douglas was relegated to a reserve role and rookie Iman Shumpert was inserted as the team's starting point guard.
JEFFRIES RETURN IMMINENT: D'Atnoni reiterated that Jared Jeffries will be reevaluated at the end of the week and could return as early as Saturday's game at Oklahoma City.
Jeffries has missed eight games with a right calf injury.
