NBA: Ray Allen Returning to Miami Heat?
The last time we saw Ray Allen was during the 2014 NBA Finals when the Miami Heat lost to the San Antonio Spurs.
After that, Allen became a free agent but never really returned to the league. There were several teams interested in him despite already at his prime, and much of that was because of his outside sniping.
It will be almost two years now, and Allen has kept everyone guessing on what he really has planned. He didn’t formally announce his retirement, leading many to believe that the 40-year-old guard could entertain thoughts of possibly returning for another tour of duty.
One team that has reportedly not dropped interest on the fifth pick of the 1996 NBA Draft is the last team he played for – Miami Heat.
According to the Miami Herald, the team has a standing offer since 2014 and has been perked up a bit through the years. Allen is apparently aware and in communication with the Heat, but for some reason, he never agreed to anything.
The longer wait seems to lean more an improbable return by Allen. As per the same report, such shouldn’t really come as a surprise.
Allen was evidently frustrated the last time he was actively playing for the Heat. Among the issues that were raised included scheduling to rotations, something reporters were pretty much aware off.
With Allen out of competitive ball plus the fact that he is in his 40s, it would not be surprising if his skills have diminished over time, as pointed out through the Bleacher Report.
His uncanny ability to nail it from beyond the arc, thanks to his feathery touch, is something the Heat and other teams are after.
Other NBA teams have been on the prowl for shooters, something credited to the success of the Golden State Warriors last year. Despite his age, Allen certainly stands among the greats when one recalls the list of legendary NBA shooters like Larry Bird or Reggie Miller.
The beauty of having Allen is that he can also take it to the hoop. He has proven that during that 2014 run, and such made him doubly dangerous.
The reality is that many remember Allen for his sniping and offensive prowess that was seen two years ago. Right now, Allen is likely to be in shape but everyone knows that there is a big difference in conditioning when the NBA comes into mind.
Are the Heat really willing to gamble on that? Considering they continue to pursue him, maybe so.
If that is the case, it may all be up to Allen. He may have not announced his retirement officially, but then again, some players don’t really have to.
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