Former Heat forward Ricky Davis gives back
MIAMI — Ricky Davis never was able to catch a break with the Miami Heat, but he never lost sight of those who could use a break.
So before taking to the court Friday night with the Big3 at AmericanAirlines Arena, Davis did as he has done at the other stops of Ice Cub’s halfcourt basketball tour and helped provide 400 meals to those in need, including a stop at Camillus House with former University of Miami stars Ricky Barry and Robert Hite.
“It’s something that we’ve been doing with the Big3 and some players, just coming into the city. We’re giving back as much as we can, the best way we can,” said Davis, who had two stints with the Heat, one that was limited to seven games in 2000-01 due to knee and ankle issues and then appearing in all 82 games when the Heat went 15-67 in 2008, when Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal were injured.
With the same upbeat demeanor he has carried throughout his NBA career, Davis, now 38, took to the streets Friday on behalf of his Ricky Davis Legacy Foundation before he took to the court.
“It’s very important to be in the community,” he said. “Me being a community guy growing up, it’s great to give back and see our young youths being together and being in a good environment and actually grow.
“One of our big things in our foundation is nutrition, so we’re trying to give them fresh produce, fresh things that they don’t get on a daily basis.”
Davis’ day also included a youth clinic.
“Anytime we can lend a hand, a push ‘em to keep going, it’s what we’re here to do,” he said.
Davis was courtside last week in Las Vegas watching the Heat play in the MGM Resorts NBA Summer League, with Heat coach Erik Spoelstra on the team’s staff during Davis’ tenures.
“It’s amazing just to play for this team and a team to actually come together and help me with this, this is amazing. Hats off to the Miami Heat.”
Heat executive Steve Stowe was among those alongside Davis during Friday’s outreach.
“This is a great opportunity for our community, for our backyard, to see one of our former Heat players, the Big3’s in town, and what a nice thing to have so many of our former players not only playing in this tournament but to actually remember this time here with us,” he said. “They want to come back and touch people in this community like there were with the Miami Heat.”
Davis said such experiences make him appreciate what he had during his 13 NBA seasons and what he still can be part of with the Big3.
“Just seeing these people out here struggling and no one’s riding by helping them, it’s tough,” he said. “With the world going on today, we’ve got to be more united, more together.”