NBA gamers have had success earlier than on Dancing With the Stars, however Baron Davis admits he was apprehensive about becoming a member of the forged for season 34.
“[I] was slightly hesitant,” Davis, 46, informed Us Weekly completely. “You shuttle, and also you’re like, you recognize, in case you do that, you’re all in, and also you’re dancing in entrance of individuals, lots of people on TV.”
However as soon as he made the choice, the two-time All-Star level guard shifted into preparation mode, placing his “nervousness and nervousness” apart.
“I get that as an athlete, earlier than video games, earlier than apply, and that simply implies that, like, I’m readying myself for one thing,” he mentioned.
Davis, who final performed within the NBA for the New York Knicks in 2012, will companion with Britt Stewart, who’s making her sixth look on the collection as a professional. She most just lately partnered with Eric Roberts for season 33 and the duo positioned tenth. Her finest end got here throughout season 31 alongside her future husband, Daniel Durant, after they positioned fifth.
“She’s, like, lovable, she’s candy,” Davis mentioned. “She simply acquired married. She’s sharing her story. and I’m similar to, ‘OK, like, all proper, coach, no matter you need me to do, all proper, companion, no matter you need.’ She’s simply the best.” (Stewart and Durant, 35, tied the knot in August after practically three years collectively.)

The sensation is mutual. Stewart, 35, has partnered with athletes earlier than, beforehand teaming up with determine skater Johnny Weir and former NFL operating again Adrian Peterson. Her first impression of Davis was that he was “fully genuine.”
“I noticed who Baron was as quickly as he walked by means of the door,” she mentioned. “And I actually vibe with that, as a result of that’s how I wish to proceed in life. After which attending to know him, I’m like, ‘oh my goodness, he’s beautiful, like he’s vibrant and pleasant, and his vitality is contagious.’”
Davis will attempt to grow to be the second NBA participant to win Dancing With the Stars, following Iman Shumpert and his win with Daniella Karagach in season 30. Rick Fox, Dwight Howard and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar all completed high seven on their seasons as effectively.
‘There’s at all times added strain since you wish to do effectively, you wish to be nice, you wish to win,” Davis admitted. “And in order that’s simply an athlete mentality. You simply can’t cease fascinated about attempting to do the whole lot in sync and make it excellent.”
Dancing With the Stars premieres on ABC and Disney+ Tuesday, September 16, at 8 p.m. ET, with new episodes streaming the subsequent day on Hulu.
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