Cavaliers get PG Davis from Clippers

Associated Press

INDEPENDENCE

Byron Scott never dreamed he’d be coaching Baron Davis a second time. For a while, he wasn’t sure they’d ever speak again.

Once together in New Orleans, the hard-headed, old-school coach and volatile player clashed — about everything. Scott and Davis rarely saw things eye to eye, leading to a messy separation that seemed irreparable. They’ve supposedly mended their relationship.

The Cavaliers better hope so.

One of the NBA’s top point guards when motivated, Davis was acquired by the rebuilding Cavaliers along with an unprotected 2011 first-round draft pick on Thursday from the Los Angeles Clippers for guard Mo Williams and forward Jamario Moon.

With the league’s worst record, the Cavs, who are trying to regain their footing without LeBron James, now own two first-round and two second-round picks in June’s draft. They plan to use those selections to replenish their roster and regain relevancy.

“Our organization is excited,” Scott said. “We’re ready to get started.”

Scott and Davis are starting over.

When the two were with the Hornets, Scott and Davis butted heads. At one point, Scott banned Davis’ personal trainer from the Hornets’ training facility. While the rest of the team stretched indoors before practice, Davis and his trainer worked outside in the parking lot.

Eventually, Scott pushed for Davis to get traded to Golden State, a move that led to the Hornets drafting All-Star Chris Paul in 2005.

Scott thought he and Davis would remain distant, but two years ago they patched up their differences in a parking lot before a preseason game.

The Cavs, who with owner Dan Gilbert’s blessing are taking on Davis’ $29 million contract over the next two years, are counting on Davis to come in, play well and be a good citizen. They’d also like the 31-year-old, who was ejected in the closing seconds of the Clippers’ recent game in Cleveland, to help develop young guard Ramon Sessions.

Scott trusts Davis will embrace his new situation.

“I hope he looks at this as an opportunity again to put all the doubters and change everybody’s mind over the type of guy he is and type of player he is,” Scott said. “This is a fresh start for him.”