Out of all the veteran players available in the NBA, no one sticks out more than Ray Allen. Allen has been a dominantly productive player throughout his entire NBA career. Known for his ability to shoot the 3 ball, knock down free throws, and hit big shots in big games, he is a well sought-after free-agent, even at his age. Allen currently is reported as debating whether or not he wants to come back and play next season.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been reported as being a team in the running if Allen does decide to return to play one final year in the league. Cleveland would be able to give Allen a chance to play on a contending team with a lot of talent. The Cavs have signed 3 of Allen’s former teammates in LBJ, Mike Miller, and James Jones. Allen would be able to give Cleveland something, they desperately need: A veteran presence.
Allen has career numbers that are very impressive; he has averaged 45.2% shooting, 40% from 3-point range, 89.4% shooting from the foul line, and 18.9 points per game. We all know that Ray Allen isn’t going to average that many points because of the amount of miles he has put on his body, but he is still able to be a premier shooter in the league. Last season he shot 90.5% from the foul line, 37.5% from 3 point, and 44.2% from the floor overall. If you looked up consistency in the dictionary you would most likely see a picture of Ray Allen next to it, it’s been that kind of career for the all-time 3-point leader.
{adinserter 2} Ray Allen does just that, adds consistency to the Cavs team. He is able to help spread the floor to open up lanes for LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, due to his shooting threat. Allen can also take and make the clutch shots of a big game and knock it down, most vividly seen in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs.
In fact, LeBron James has made 17/50 game winning shots, giving him a 34% average. James is followed by Vince Carter at #2 with 16 game winners. Guess who is 3rd on this list? Ray Allen. Allen has knocked down 15 game winning shots out of 39, giving him a better average than LeBron at 38.5%. This proves just how clutch he really is.
Allen would also give the team the supporting veteran leadership that LeBron will desperately need to manage the young and inexperienced Cavs squad. How great would it be for Andrew Wiggins (pending Love trade) and Kyrie Irving to get mentored by Allen? This would help mold these two players into something even greater. Allen would be able to turn either of these players into much bigger contributors by mentoring them.
These are all things that Cleveland needs to add to their arsenal and core. Allen is a great all-around player and role-model, the Cavs should not miss their chance to get Jesus Shuttlesworth at veterans minimum this season. Please decide to come back and play one more year Ray, Cleveland awaits you.