NBA 2016-2017 News and Updates: Ray Allen Might Come Out of Retirement; Celtics, Bucks, Knicks and even Cavs are Waiting
New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics and even the defending champion, Cleveland Cavaliers, are all reported eyeing the prospect of signing in Ray Allen for the NBA 2016-17 season. This is because the all-time scoring leader in three points floated the idea that he is ready to come out of retirement and step back in the hard court.
The current NBA landscape has since changed when Warriors' Splash Brothers, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, institutionalized the perception about shooting specialists. In fact, most of the teams are scrubbing the roster to employ at least one player who can bombard from the perimeter.
Allen technically never left the NBA in 2014, but ended up a free agent instead. His last club is the Miami Heat, playing off the bench, which suffered dark roster in 2014 after LeBron James left. Allen back then immediately found offers from Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs, but nothing came out with a favorable result. The 41 year-old shooting machine also chose to let the 2015-16 season slip away.
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In fighting condition
Allen dispelled rumors that he is not totally serious about a comeback by describing his current routine. He also admitted that he is yet to shake off the cobwebs from sitting out two seasons, but nonetheless, he assured that he is feeling great about basketball. The former UConn star also boasted that he is weighing the same when he was in college which is indicative that he is in fighting condition.
Looking at the present trend in the NBA, a young team starting from scratch like the Brooklyn Nets or a well-established team like Steve Kerr's Golden State are unlikely stops for Allen. The next potential team for Allen would be rejoining James in the Cavs because of the lack in outside threat.
Knicks could sign Allen
The Bucks and the Celtics were first to be approached, but no substantial development could be said from both. Knicks, however, has a huge possibility of signing Allen, but under a salary cap-friendly terms.
If the latter employs Allen, this could lead to a better depth in the roster regarding perimeter efficiency. But, it can also pose a problem for Phil Jackson in terms of defensive rebounding with a "shorter" lineup. The best consolation that Allen could get would be when Knicks land to a predicted 40 plus wins by adding Derrick Rose in the upcoming season. This can present a better opportunity to shine if Allen can prove that he has the long-lasting ability to sink threes.
