This is from www.wwltv.com and contains comments made by BD today in regards to his contract extension. I am satisfied with his comments. He seems to be surprised that NOLA is as full of life as it is. I thoroughly agree with him that he can find what he is looking for in this "small city." New Orleans clearly has a big-city feel to it, IMHO, but it is an island unto itself!
Hornets Sign Baron Davis to Long Term Deal
07/30/2002
WWLTV.com
WWL-TV
Baron Davis
Baron Davis signed a long-term deal with the New Orleans Hornets Tuesday, ending speculation that he might opt for a move to a larger market.
Terms of the contract weren’t released by the team, but the deal is believed to be for about six years and about $84 million.
“Ownership stepped up and made a terrific long-term commitment to the city of New Orleans by signing one of the brightest young stars in the league,” said Bob Bass, the Hornets Executive Vice-President of Basketball Operations.
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Davis, who said he had never been to the city prior to coming for this year’s Essence Festival, said there were two main factors that prompted him to sign: One was a chance for a championship with a seasoned team, the other was the friendly atmosphere he found in the city.
“The vibe here was great,” he said. I brought a lot of my family and friends here and they helped me with the decision. They told me that it may be a small city, but the people here love basketball.”
Davis said his main concern in waiting to make a deal was that he figured a long-term deal would be the biggest of his life. He said that in the end, his best chance for a title would come in the Crescent City.
“This is the best move for me,” he said. “I’m on a playoff team, a team that I’ve been with since my rookie year and with a coach I’ve known since my rookie year. This was the biggest decision of my life. I know I made the right decision.”
Davis was set to make nearly $4 million next season. Last season, he averaged just over 18 points, 8.5 assists and guided the team to a playoff berth.