NBA Free Agents 2014 Rumors: Are San Antonio Spurs Courting Ray Allen, Gustavo Ayon?
The 2014-2015 NBA regular season doesn't begin until late October, but the NBA free agency period is still here.
One of the busiest teams during this free agent offseason has been the San Antonio Spurs. Multiple reports have indicated that the reigning NBA Champions have expressed interest in Gustavo Ayon.
Ayon is a Mexican-born center who stands 6-foot-10, 250 pounds. He is currently playing in the FIBA World Cup in Spain. Ayon has played on multiple Mexican league teams since 2006. In 2011, his dream of playing in the NBA came true when Ayon signed with the New Orleans Hornets that year; he has since played with the Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks.
Ayon has never been an elite center, but he has shown signs of great play in the NBA. In his first two seasons in the league, Ayon played more than 100 games, and has made a career 53.6 percent of his shots from the field. Ayon isn't a great free throw shooter, but he is a terrific rebounder. Ayon averages 9.4 rebounds per 36 minutes.
The Spurs have been by far the most successful NBA franchise when it comes to selecting, drafting, trading and signing international talents. Players such as Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, Marco Belinelli and Tiago Splitter are a few to name. The Spurs have won five championships, since 1999, and those have come largely in part due to the fact that they have by far the league's best management.
Ray Allen has also been on the Spurs radar.
Allen, a two-time NBA champion, is the all-time leader in three pointers made in the regular season and postseason. Although 39 years old, Allen can still hit perimeter shots at a very high rate. The Spurs are the most efficient three-point shooting team in all of basketball. Allen would be a terrific addition; the question is whether or not Allen wants to return or retire.
As for Ayon, the Spurs could use him for bench playing minutes. Future Hall of Fame power forward Tim Duncan is obviously one of the best ever to play the game, but he is 38 years old. Tiago Splitter is a great center who continues to expand his game, but he is limited. The possible addition of Ayon would provide depth for the Spurs next season.
Ayon has had a few injury issues during his playing career, though suffering nothing that would prevent him from playing next season. The Spurs wouldn't be able to use him as a full-time starter, but Ayon provides great size and good mobility for a big man. Most likely Ayon will cost less $2 million per season, so the Spurs wouldn't have to break the bank on him, either.
For up-to-date sports news, scores, and more, follow Latin Post Sports on Twitter
FOR MORE NBA NEWS, TRADE AND FREE AGENCY UPDATES, CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VISIT LATIN POST.COM'S SPORTS PAGE.