Does Ray Allen Fit on the Cavaliers?

The Cleveland Cavaliers have set their 15 man roster, at least for now. Yet there is no sign of Ray Allen on the roster and very little noise about if or when he might sign with the team. Allen could choose to go elsewhere, a story for another day, or stay retired.

A bigger question is whether or not Ray Allen is actually a fit on the Cavaliers. We know the team will figure out a way to sign him if he is willing but should they? Is it in their best interest short and long term? We start with the answer we know most do not want to hear:

No

No, Ray Allen does not fit for the Cleveland Cavaliers for a few reasons. While Allen has been a knock down shooter for most of his career his auxiliary skills also used to be top notch. Allen used to play good defense and be able to create off the dribble. He can’t do either of those anymore. While Allen pulls defenders away just based on his presence alone, as a one trick pony he is far easier to stop.

His inability to play defense is a far greater concern. In Miami he had Chris Anderson, the Birdman, and the long lanky Chris Bosh behind him, as well as the roaming LeBron James. Those players helped mask Allen’s struggles on the defensive end. Especially Anderson who is a noted shot blocker and Bosh’s ability to contest is also top notch. In Cleveland Allen would have a Bosh type defender in either Anderson Varejao or Tristan Thompson but no shot blocker.

Allen would also get far less minutes to even be able to have an impact on the game. The Cavs start Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters, young players who soak up a ton of minutes while having Mike Miller as the backup, spot up shooter. Allen and Miller could not play together at all while backup point guard Matthew Dellavedova and Allen together would strip away all ball penetration from the backcourt. The best running partner would be Waiters and his penchant for being ball dominate would use Allen well anyways.

Finally the Cavs drafted a shooter that they hope can develop into a solid role player for the team. While Joe Harris will never be Ray Allen, said with certainty, he does give the Cavs a player they can develop for over the long haul. Instead of giving 5 to 10 minutes a game to Allen, who will likely retire after this season if he does play, the Cavs can help Harris get used to the game.

Yet this is Ray Allen we are talking about so there are also reasons the answer is Yes, Ray Allen fits on the Cavs:

Yes

He is Ray Allen.

Oh you want more?

Obviously Allen is a great shooter but he also helps balance out a roster that is prominently better at shooting from the left side of the floor. Allen’s best spot on the floor is the right corner three point line. Most of the rest of the Cavs regulars are far more comfortable on the other side. Allen would help provide balance.

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He can hit huge shots at anytime. Most remember Allen’s shot against the Spurs two years ago. His quick release and high confidence make him ready for any shot at anytime. The Cavs expect to be playing in big games and may find themselves in a situation where a big shot is needed, enter Allen. Whether at the end of a quarter or a half or just when the team really needs a bucket, Allen is the perfect offensive weapon.

While is may be a one trick pony that trick has benefits for the rest of the team. Allen’s ability to shoot the three is a gravitational pull for defenders. They know they cannot give him space and are far less likely, and willing, to try to get involved on ball penetration or post play. That will help the rest of the Cavaliers have more space to work with.

Allen hasn’t been considered a mentor much in the past but as he enters his final season he could be just that for Harris. His veteran presence will pay off in the locker room but him being able to influence the young guards of the Cavs, Irving, Waiters, Delly and Harris, could be huge to what the Cavs will look like in the next 3 to 5 seasons.

Conclusion

If Ray Allen wants to sign with the Cavs they will sign him. Yet it is not the homerun everyone assumes it would be. Likely his impact would be felt, and we still believe he signs with the Cavs at some point, but how big that impact is up for question. Whether the Cavs are the best fit for Allen is a question for another post.

What do you think about Ray Allen’s fit with the Cavs?

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