Ray Allen Wants Late Game Minutes To Return
We covered for you that Ray Allen was recruited by LeBron James while James was in Miami recovering from his back injury. The Cleveland Cavaliers have been linked to Allen since the moment that LeBron agreed to return to Cleveland. It was long assumed that Ray Ray wanted to continue to play with James and would likely join him wherever he went.
Instead Allen has stayed out all season long, with murmurs that he would return in February with a contending team. The Cavs, San Antonio Spurs, LA Clippers and others were among those lined up for Allen’s services. The Cavs were still considered front runners.
Today comes a report, via Brain Windhorst, that Allen wants a guarantee that he will be playing during late game situations:
.@WindhorstESPN tells me that Ray Allen wants late game minutes guaranteed if he were to come back to play. @TheHerd @espnradio
— Jorge Sedano (@Sedano) January 22, 2015
As a veteran who has made a ton of money and has a number of teams interested in him he might feel like he can get his demands. It all depends on what he considers late game minutes. If the game is close and the Cavs need a bucket it is likely that Allen would be in. Similar situation and the Cavs need a stop on defense, Allen will be sitting on the bench.
David Blatt’s rotations have not been consistent, although that has changed some since James’ return, so guaranteeing certain minutes might be tough. It also would create another issue that Blatt, a first year NBA head coach, has to deal with. Much has been made of LeBron’s power with the team but Allen’s demands would add another player with clout over his coach.
All of this could be a moot point. Allen has leverage but also is limited to certain teams he would likely want to play for. With LeBron on the Cavs, and a big fan of Allen, he is likely to get minutes. His shooting stroke, as well as the time off to rest his body and be in good shape, is something any team would like. The Cavs have a roster spot and would likely sign Allen if he told them he was interested, LeBron would almost force that upon them.
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Allen’s fit with the team is another story. The Cavs have an interesting backcourt situation. Kyrie Irving and J.R. Smith play a ton of minutes while Iman Shumpert is set to return as well. In small ball lineups either Smith or Shumpert could slide down to the small forward spot with LeBron at the 4. A lineup of Irving, Allen, Smith, James and Kevin Love would give the Cavs a ton of shooting, and very little defense.
If the Cavs keep putting it together like they have over the their 4 game winning streak maybe Allen will get his late game minutes during mop up duty. Is that maybe what he meant? (Tongue in cheek)
The Cavs have been in roster upgrade mode all season. Many still believe they need another point guard behind Irving. With LeBron being the team’s primary ball handler and Smith being capable for a few minutes, that may not be as necessary. A backup big, Samuel Dalembert or Emeka Okafor could be free agent options, could be a better use of that roster spot.
What do you think of Ray Allen’s playing time demans?