NBA Free Agent Rumors: Will Ray Allen Sign With the Cleveland Cavaliers?
The 2014 NBA preseason is already underway and the regular season tips off on Oct. 28.
Having said that, the greatest 3-point shooter in NBA history is still unsigned and remains a free agent. Ray Allen, who last played for the Miami Heat, has yet to make a decision on where he will play this upcoming season. Allen holds NBA records for most three pointers made in regular season and postseason history.
The Los Angeles Clippers showed interested in the veteran shooting guard last month, but head coach Doc Rivers recently said that Allen was not in consideration for the final roster spot. That's probably a wise decision for this Clippers team, considering they have a very good offense led by Chris Paul III and Blake Griffin. It's the defense that usually holds this team back.
The Chicago Bulls have reached out to Allen and his agent, but odds have severely decreased over the last few months. After not acquiring big name free agents such as Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh or LeBron James, it's very unlikely Allen will go to the Bulls. Allen has already said he will not be retiring and will play this season.
By far the most obvious and suitable teams for Allen are the San Antonio Spurs and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Spurs are the best three point shooting team in the NBA, based on efficiency. Players such as Danny Green, Manu Ginobili, Patrick Mills and Marco Belinelli are thriving under Gregg Popovich's three point shooting system. Allen would be a perfect fit, hitting perimeter shots, and he would be able to get plenty of rest because this Spurs team has so much depth.
The Spurs are after all the defending NBA champions. Allen, who is 39 years old, is chasing his third championship. Why go somewhere else and risk a chance at championship opportunity? Other older players, such as Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, continue to play great on the Spurs. They would welcome Allen with open arms.
Why not go to the Spurs?
Two words: LeBron James
The Cavaliers were huge winners this offseason acquiring the four time NBA MVP. Allen won the 2013 NBA Championship with the Miami Heat and James, so he knows how James plays. Just last year, Allen and James made it to the finals but lost to the Spurs in five games. Allen, James and Kevin Love could be a great combination.
Allen would benefit from playing in a weak Eastern Conference and knowing the system, but he will be asked to do more with the Cavaliers than with the Spurs. The Cavaliers don't have an established defense like the Spurs, so Allen won't get nearly as much rest.
Most likely Allen will take his talents to the Spurs or the Cavaliers. Regardless of which team he picks, time is running out. The regular season begins in just a few weeks, and Allen needs to get a contract complete. Teams also have to have to the proper time to make the appropriate adjustments.
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