Ray Allen could retire after spending 18 years in the NBA, but many teams, like the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers sure hope he chooses to keep playing.
There are certainly more teams than those two that would be seeking Allen's services, but it came as no surprise that the Bulls had thrown their hat into the ring, as reported by Bull's reporter, Sam Smith.
Smith makes the case that Allen would probably get to start in Chicago, calling him a "proud veteran" to try and do his part in enticing Allen to the Windy City.
"The Bulls are likely the only significant contender pursuing Allen who do not have a true starting shooting guard. What an ideal situation for Allen at this stage in his career," Smith writes.
Allen has been a gem for every team he has played for, and in addition to the Pau Gasol acquisition this offseason, he would add to the veteran leadership on the team. Allen playing in Chicago would also allow more versatility for Jimmy Butler to move around. Smith correctly noted in his write-up, Butler's true position is at small forward, but he is suppose to be the Bull's shooting guard.
No doubt, Allen would add to Chicago, but you have to think that in this stage in his career, what he wants most of all is a chance to win, or at least, an almost guaranteed chance to make it to the finals and compete for a ring.
His former teammate Lebron James gives him exactly that, as the team James has played on has been to the finals for the last 4 years in a row. He is the only sure thing in this league it seems; as much as the Bulls hoped Derrick Rose would be, he hasn't been so far. With all the weapons the Cavs have now, it's almost impossible for the Cavs not to make it this year.
Last season, Allen averaged 9.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and two assists per game, and shot 44.2 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from beyond-the-arc. This is significantly down from Allen's production in the past, but he is still the NBA's all time leader in 3 pointers. Although he not the young man he once was, he is still one of the most dangerous threats from distance in the league, and can still come through in the clutch. For a Cleveland team that has already learned the lesson about not surrounding James with the pieces he needs to win a Championship, the addition of Allen would be a huge difference maker. Allen knows that he would be a valuable part of that team, and that should be enough to appease that "proud veteran" mentalitiy that Smith wrote about.
