Ray Allen: ‘I haven’t even decided where I will play’
Despite being an 18-year NBA veteran, Ray Allen has drawn a lot of attention in free agency. With LeBron James in Cleveland, there has been a lot of speculation around Allen, mainly stories insinuating that the shooting guard had an interest in playing with James in Cleveland instead of returning to the Miami Heat.
But in a recent interview with the Boston Herald, Allen made it know that the news previously heard was fluff and that he has yet to decide which team he wants to play of next season.
"“There’s so much speculation about me going to Cleveland. I haven’t even decided where I will play. Obviously LeBron and I are great friends, and James Jones and I are really close. But at no point have those two tried to push me in that direction. I haven’t had that conversation. LeBron and I went on vacation to the Bahamas earlier this summer, and we didn’t talk one iota about things. And that was before he made his decision."
Wherever Allen decides to go the role will be the same: spot-up shooter. With a Kevin Love trade seeming more likely for the Cavaliers as the day passes, an spot in the rotation could open up for Allen as the current wings are expected to be moved (Wiggins, Waiters) to get Love. In Miami, he’ll likely continue as the backup behind Dwyane Wade.
Unlike in 2012, Allen’s presence won’t be the difference between a winning and not winning a NBA championship. At this point in his career, Allen’s role is spot-up shooter. He’s not capable of defending at a high level and the less he dribbles the ball on offense the better. And despite all of that, Allen could still be plenty useful in the NBA. Whether he decides to play for Miami, Cleveland, or any other team, Allen will notch 10 to 20 minutes per night as a key member for offensive purposes.
Last season, Allen averaged 9.6 points per game while shooting 37 percent from three.