Baron Davis Laughs Off His Dad Bod on Dancing With the Stars
Former NBA legend Baron Davis spoke exclusively to Us Weekly about how his rigorous training for Dancing With the Stars is playing a crucial role in getting him back to peak physical form.
“After retiring 10 years ago … I’m [here] for the dads of America,” Davis, 46, quipped while chatting with Us after the DWTS season 34 premiere on Tuesday, September 16. “I [have] the ‘Dad Bod.’ I’m working to shed my ‘Dad Bod.’ I represent the dads of America; they’re going to get off their couches just like I did.”
The two-time NBA All-Star, who last played for the New York Knicks in 2012, believes that Dancing With the Stars has infused “a new life” and “a renewed energy” into his and his family’s daily lives. (Davis has two children from his marriage to Isabella Brewster, which ended in 2017.)
“Playing basketball at 46 could lead to injuries. … That’s why we steer clear of that, right?” he noted. “Yet, it’s essential to have a workout. You need a creative outlet that serves as a therapeutic escape. This is it.”
Davis and his pro dance partner, Britt Stewart, found themselves in the lower half of the leaderboard during Tuesday’s premiere, scoring just 10 points for their cha-cha-cha to MC Hammer’s iconic track “U Can’t Touch This.” (Judge Carrie Ann Inaba was absent from the season opener due to health issues, so only judges Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough’s scores were counted.)
No couples exited the ballroom at the end of Tuesday’s show, although hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough confirmed a double elimination would occur at the conclusion of “One-Hit Wonders Night” on Tuesday, September 23.
“I was stunned,” remarked Stewart, 35, to Us about the double elimination twist. “This is my sixth season as a pro, my 11th season overall. I was shocked, but I also wasn’t surprised because I know they love to throw in surprises like that!”
The dance professional added, “It just ignites a competitive fire within you!”
Stewart expressed that it was “so disappointing” to see Inaba absent from the judges’ panel on premiere night.
“[Carrie Ann] brings a unique energy and presence. She’s been here since season 1, so not having her in the ballroom this time felt disheartening,” Stewart told Us. “However, to be fair, I don’t believe it added any extra pressure.”
Before the start of season 34, Davis revealed in an exclusive interview with Us that he felt “a bit hesitant” to join Dancing With the Stars, despite his athletic pedigree.
“You can really go back and forth, questioning if you’re ready, knowing that you’ll be dancing in front of a lot of people on TV,” he shared on September 5.
Davis mentioned he approached DWTS similarly to how he did his NBA career, setting aside any “anxiety and nervousness” before the big moment.
“I experience [anxiety] as an athlete, whether before games or practices, and I take it as a sign that I’m gearing up for something,” he asserted.
Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET, with new episodes available for streaming the following day on Hulu.
Show your DWTS enthusiasm with Us Weekly and Bracketology.tv! Compete against other fans and Us editors in the Bracketology DWTS fantasy league this season to predict which couples will reach the finale for season 34. Join the league today for free and gain access to exclusive content, stats, and a chance to win prizes!
