All is just about complete for the Boston Celtics , who is perhaps one player away from cementing themselves as the second best team in the NBA Eastern Conference. The Celtics either need one more star player, or a dead-eye shooter to keep pace with the Cleveland Cavaliers . There is a big name player who is mulling a comeback to the play in the NBA.
Move over Derek Fisher, you are not the only one former player looking for an NBA team. Ray Allen is reportedly leaning heavily towards an NBA return. And he has a couple of teams in mind.
According to the Hartford Courant , Ray Allen is serious about a comeback . He has already spoken to the Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks , considering them as realistic destinations. Allen made his intentions public during his basketball camp.
“I worked out the other day in New York with a friend of mine. I was shooting, I was going through my routine just like I’d always done. Yeah, I was a little winded, but I was able to go through my routine like I’d always gone though my routine and I didn’t feel like I’d missed any time in doing what I was doing. For me, it’s not ‘Can I do it anymore?’ It’s how I feel after I do it. And yesterday, I felt great.”
That is what the Boston Celtics and the other interested teams want to hear. Ray Allen is one of the greatest pure shooters in NBA history. It is likely that his jumper has not wavered. Because he is 41, it would only be natural if Allen has lost a step.
As a known workout warrior, the future basketball Hall of Fame player keeps in great shape. As long as Allen has lift in his jump shot, he could be helpful to the Celtics, Bucks, or any other team for 20 minutes a game.
The significance of a possible Ray Allen return to either Celtics or Bucks is obvious. He won first NBA title with the Boston Celtics. Allen began his career with the Milwaukee Bucks. Because he holds both NBA franchises dear to him, Allen is hoping for an opportunity with one of them.
“I would love going back to those places if it worked out, because both teams are good, too. It doesn’t necessarily have to be championship-or-bust for me to go back to the NBA.
“I want to be in a situation where I thought I could help, play a little bit and help where they have good young talent.”
The best route to contention is for him to re-join the Boston Celtics. Plus, the Celtics need shooting to help with their floor spacing.
How bad does the Celtics need shooting? It was rumored by the website Sportsrageous that the Celtics were looking to offer free agent guard J.R. Smith a one-year, $12 million deal. Smith is a better player than Ray Allen is at this juncture, but Allen is a better fit with the Celtics.
What the Celtics need besides a shooter is a player with a pedigree. Nothing helps a team more than experience. Ray Allen has two NBA championships under his belt. He has played in four NBA Finals overall.
Having someone of Allen’s credentials to teach the young players how to train, what to put into their bodies and how to win. Every contender has to have a sage veteran on their team. For the Celtics, Allen would be that player.
Ray Allen doesn’t sound retired. ? pic.twitter.com/j9I5PZq85G
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 7, 2016
The Boston Celtics will have some competition for his services. Again, the Milwaukee Bucks also have talked to Ray Allen. They are joined by the New York Knicks .
According to Fox Sports , famed director Spike Lee is trying to sway Allen’s decision by recruiting him for the Knicks. The Knicks, like the Celtics and Bucks, also need shooting. It is a long shot that they add him, but it is worth a try to get Lee’s good buddy to New York.
Ray Allen wants to make a comeback. There are two teams that he has spoken with about a return thus far, with another team looking at him as well. Just going on gut alone, it smells like Ray Allen is bound for a return to the Boston Celtics.
[Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images]