Ray Allen not ‘in a rush’ to decide on future
Longtime NBA shooting guard Ray Allen “doesn’t appear to be in a rush” to decide whether he’ll continue playing next season, reports Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports. The 18-year veteran has been contemplating retirement after his Miami Heat lost in the NBA Finals this spring, and could end up calling it quits after a Hall of Fame-worthy career.
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Allen, 38, could also return to the NBA next season if he chooses. As arguably the greatest (and most clutch) shooter in the history of the NBA, several teams would likely be thrilled to have the opportunity to bring him in, even if it’s just for a season or two. However, it appears he’s only considering the Cleveland Cavaliers.
That’s obviously because of LeBron James, Allen’s teammate over the past two years in Miami. Now that James has taken his talents back to Cleveland in hopes of turning the Cavaliers into a contender, Allen is apparently considering joining the four-time NBA MVP to contribute his elite three-point shooting to the cause.
Even at 38 years old, Allen was highly useful for the Heat last season, averaging 9.6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game while shooting 37 percent from three. There were no insane postseason heroics this year, but nobody will ever forget the incredible shot he hit in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals to save the Heat and force a Game 7, eventually leading to the team’s third title.
The Cavaliers could offer Allen a somewhat reduced role, which could appeal as he gets older and the minutes pile up. Playing behind the likes of Andrew Wiggins and Dion Waiters would give Allen ample time to rest and stay healthy, which could be important after he looked noticeably tired by the end of the Finals against San Antonio this year.
If Allen retires, he’ll finish his career as one of the best players of his generation. A 10-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion, he’s also the all-time NBA leader in made three-point field goals with 2,973.