Ricky Davis

The high-flying guard whose rebound attempt at his own basket earned the nickname 'Wrong Rim Ricky'.

via Wikipedia: Ricky Davis · see source

Tyree 'Ricky' Davis joined the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 26, 2001, arriving in a three-team deal that also involved the Toronto Raptors and the Miami Heat. Previously with the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets, he brought high energy to a franchise seeking direction. Selected as the 21st overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1998 NBA Draft after playing college basketball for the Iowa Hawkeyes, Davis spent two seasons in Cleveland before being re-signed to a six-year deal on August 21, 2002. His tenure blended athletic flair with controversial moments that remain etched in Cavaliers memory.

Quick Facts

Position: Small forward; shooting guard
Born: 23 September 1979
Birthplace: Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
High school: Davenport North (Davenport, Iowa)
College: Iowa (1997–1998)
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 21
Drafted by: Charlotte Hornets

Lore & Background

Davis's time in Cleveland was marked by a specific clash with coach Paul Silas, creating tension throughout his stay. The most infamous moment occurred on March 16, 2003, during a game against the Utah Jazz. With the Cavaliers leading 120–95 and less than seven seconds remaining, Davis needed one rebound for his first career triple-double. He deliberately tossed an inbound pass off his own rim to catch it as a rebound. This act was invalidated because shots taken at one's own basket do not count as official field goal attempts. Jazz guard DeShawn Stevenson shoved him upcourt, and head coach Jerry Sloan defended the shove, stating, 'I would have fouled him too. I would have knocked him on his ass.' Although the Cavaliers initially claimed embarrassment was sufficient punishment, public backlash forced them to fine Davis an undisclosed amount for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Reader's Guide

Davis played for the Cavaliers from October 26, 2001, until his trade on December 15, 2003, where he moved to the Boston Celtics along with Chris Mihm, Michael Stewart, and a second-round pick in exchange for Tony Battie, Eric Williams, and Kedrick Brown. During his Cleveland stint, he was known for high-energy play and exciting dunks, though his relationship with coach Paul Silas was strained. He was re-signed to a six-year contract on August 21, 2002, but the team's direction shifted after the controversial triple-double incident.

Did You Know?

He received a fine for unsportsmanlike conduct after intentionally rebounding his own inbound pass against the Utah Jazz on March 16, 2003.
In 2025, Davis falsely claimed on a podcast that he had been near a triple-double in five consecutive games; his actual closest game in that span was 7 rebounds and 7 assists.