Veteran swingman Ricky Davis signs with Clippers

[July 29, 2008]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Clippers continued their offseason makeover Monday, signing veteran swingman Ricky Davis to a multiyear contract. Terms were not announced.

Davis, an unrestricted free agent who turns 29 in September, averaged 13.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists while playing in all 82 games for the Miami Heat last season. He shot 43.3 percent from the floor, 40.5 percent on 3-pointers and 78.7 percent from the foul line.

"With his ability to score and shoot from the outside, it's really going to open up the floor for us, particularly our low-post players," Los Angeles general manager Elgin Baylor said. "He can score from outside, he can score from inside. He's versatile; he can play (shooting guard), he can play (small forward).

"He's been terrific coming off the bench, instant offense. That's up to the coach (Mike Dunleavy) to decide, how he's going to use him. Most likely, he'll come off the bench. That's been his strength."

The 6-foot-7 Davis has averaged 14.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 31.1 minutes in his career. He was chosen with the 21st overall pick of the 1998 draft by the Charlotte Hornets after one year at Iowa, where he averaged 15.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists.

Davis had his best season with the Cleveland Cavaliers five years ago, averaging 20.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 79 games.

Earlier this month, the Clippers added two starters, signing point guard Baron Davis to a five-year, $65 million contract and acquiring forward-center Marcus Camby in a trade from the Denver Nuggets. Al Thornton, Chris Kaman and Cuttino Mobley figure to be the other starters next season, with Davis playing a key role off the bench.

Among the projected reserves besides Davis are Tim Thomas, Jason Hart and first-round draft pick Eric Gordon. The Clippers acquired Hart from Utah last month for Brevin Knight in a swap of backup point guards.

Unrestricted free agents Elton Brand and Corey Maggette left the Clippers. Brand signed with Philadelphia, and Maggette went to Golden State.

[Associated Press; By JOHN NADEL]

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