Sorting Out the Ray Allen, Cavs Discussion
When Iman Shumpert was ruled out for at least 3 months for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Ray Allen‘s name popped up. It makes sense. Reports came out last year that he was planning to sign with the Cavs. He has stated that playing with LeBron James would be a big key for him. He hasn’t retired yet. Shumpert and Allen play the same position.
So what to make of the possibility of Ray Allen signing with the Cavs? A lot actually.
First, it is unlikely that the Cavs will sign Allen during Training Camp to replace Shump. While he won’t be in basketball shape, Allen won’t need a lot of time to get ready to play based on his relentless work ethic. Instead the Cavs are likely to go with one of the young guys with non-guaranteed deals out of camp to give them flexibility. Whether it is Quin Cook, Austin Daye or D.J. Stephens.
Second, Allen doesn’t come close to replacing what Shump did for the Cavs. Iman was a great, versatile defender whose active hands changed the game for guards and small forwards. Allen hasn’t been even a good defender since probably a decade ago. Instead Allen would bring a shooting presence off the bench, someone who could lure defenders away from the basket and will make them pay from the outside. A more talented, smaller version of James Jones.
Third, Allen could be a great mentor for young Joe Harris. Harris has a good shooting stroke but has struggled a bit with confidence and a quick release. Allen has both of those in spades. Bringing him in to contribute but also to support could be great for the Cavs future shooting specialist. Harris is the lone young guy off the bench that has a shot to spread the floor for the Cavs down the road.
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Finally, Allen is far more likely to join the Cavs after the NBA Trade Deadline. The Cavs will want to keep roster flexibility to make a trade or sign a player waived after the deadline. At that point, whether they make a move or not, the Cavs can bring in Allen on a guaranteed contract if they still have a roster spot. He will still be able to make an impact for the stretch run while getting ready for the NBA Playoffs. Having Allen, Jones, Harris (hopefully)Kyrie Irving, Mo Williams, J.R. Smith and Kevin Love to surround LeBron James could be deadly at the end of games.
Ray Allen is unlikely to return to the NBA. At some point he will likely officially retire. If he does return, the Cavs and Miami Heat are the likely destinations. Adding him to the roster makes some sense for the Cavs, especially following the Iman Shumpert injury, just not yet.
Do you think Ray Allen will be a Cleveland Cavalier this season?