There have been plenty of rumors and speculations about Ray Allen's future the moment he became a free agent this summer. But as of right now, he still hasn't made any commitment to any team and has reportedly contemplated on retiring after a Hall of Fame career that includes two championship runs with the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat.
But if Allen does decide to play for another season, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Clippers are rumored to be the top contenders to win his services. Stephen Babb of Bleacher Report also points out the possibility of of reunion with Paul Pierce in the Washington Wizards. Sam Smith of Bulls.com, however, believes that the Chicago Bulls should also be considered as a top candidate and thinks that it is the best destination for Ray Allen at this point in his career.
Smith wrote, "It seems curious to me amidst all the speculation about Allen the Bulls have not been mentioned. They seem easily the best and most obvious destination for Allen. And not just because this is appearing on the Bulls web site."
Smith points out that Allen provides the Bulls with something that they direly need if they are to make a deep run in the playoffs, with Derrick Rose due to return to the upcoming season healthy and Pau Gasol's premier shooting. Even at 39 years of age, Allen is still one of the best in the NBA in shooting the ball from behind the arc and may be the best doing it in clutch situations. Just imagine how easier life would be for the Bulls if they have Allen constantly probing the 3-point area. The Bulls' offense will suddenly become a nightmare for opposing teams with Rose constantly driving to the basket, Gasol doing his thing in the post, and Allen dropping bombs from beyond the arc.
On top of that, Smith reveals that Tom Thibodeau is a fan of Allen's game and knows how to maximize him defensively during his time as an assistant coach in Boston. He argued, "And, remember, Allen was at his best defensively in the help system run in Boston by Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, who has remained an Allen fan and advocate, often urging the Bulls in past seasons to pursue Allen. The Bulls also have kept their roster at 12, one under the league minimum, to have flexibility coming into training camp. A space being held for Allen?"
Allen may be an ideal fit for the Chicago Bulls, but ultimately the final decision will rest on him. For the meantime, the Cavs, Spurs, Wizards, Clippers, and every other team that is in pursuit of the greatest 3-point shooter in NBA history will have to wait for his final decision.
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