The Golden State Warriors have already made splashes this off season, but could they also get one of the greatest three point shooters of all time? If so, how would they use him?
This offseason has been one highlighted by the Warriors’ acquisition of NBA superstar Kevin Durant, but they are also in the running for a another All-Time great.
Ray Allen, two time NBA champion (2008 and 2013), announced that he will likely make a return to the NBA this year and the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers are prime candidates for his services.
Allen established himself as one of the greatest three point shooters of all time and currently holds the NBA records for the most three pointers made with 2973 in his 18 seasons in the league. Allen will be making his return after “retiring” following the 2013-2014 season which he played with the Miami Heat.
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Allen averaged an impressive 18.9 points per game in his career, playing for four different teams (Bucks, SuperSonics, Celtics, and Heat). If the Warriors manage to get Allen it would likely be for a one year deal of a very small value. Allen is choosing between the two teams that made it to the NBA Finals this past season and is likely returning for a shot at another championship at 40 years old.
Allen joining the Warriors would add another incredible three point shooter to the already stacked team, but considering Allen’s age how much could this season veteran really contribute? For either the Warriors and the Cavaliers that is an important question this offseason, but one would have to assume he’s kept in shape during his time away from the league if he is considering a return.
The Warriors would add Allen to a bench full of veteran players like David West and Shaun Livingston. Allen played an average of 26.5 minutes per game in his final season with the Miami Heat and would, in all likelihood, contribute as an effective bench player to whatever team he decides to join.
The Warriors would likely use him similarly to how the Cleveland Cavaliers used Channing Frye (averaged 17.1 minutes per game and scored 6.1 per game), who played very well, especially from behind the arc, in the playoffs. Allen would likely be added to late game situations that require three point shooting personnel and would likely be an efficient shooter for Golden State.
Next: Superteam is not a big deal
The Warriors already have three incredible three point shooters and adding Ray Allen, a seasoned veteran, would add another solid piece to a team that many are already calling “super”.
To answer the question posed in the title of this article Allen will likely be used as a role player with a special skill from behind the arc. The acquisition of Allen (who is still deciding where to play) would likely pay off the most in the post season when sharp shooting and productive benches can change the course of a series.