The Washington Wizards are off to a 9-3 start that has them poised to be a serious contender in the Eastern Conference. LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers are struggling. Derrick Rose can’t stay on the court for the Chicago Bulls. And even though they’re 12-2, is anyone really afraid of the Toronto Raptors?
The conference is there for the taking and the Wizards may be just a piece away.
Could Ray Allen be it?
ESPN’s Chris Broussard recently reported that Washington is among several clubs hoping to obtain the veteran shooting guard’s services:
Cavs, Bulls, Wizards, Spurs among the 7 teams interested in Ray Allen. Allen's in Miami, keeping himself in shape
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) November 24, 2014
Through 12 games the Wizards are averaging just 5.4 three-point field goals per contest, which ranks 28th in the NBA. Only the L.A. Lakers and Sacramento Kings are making fewer. The recent return of Bradley Beal to Washington’s lineup will no doubt help that stat, but adding the league’s all-time leader in made threes would clearly go a long way towards improving the situation as well.
#Wizards haven’t checked in on Ray Allen lately, source says. But when the best 3-point shooter ever is available, there’s gonna be interest
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) November 24, 2014
Garrett Temple began the season as the Wizards’ starting shooting guard and got off to a very hot start. Through the club’s first five games Temple made 14-of-27 three-point attempts, good for a .519 clip. However, since then Temple has connected on only one of his last 15 tries from long range, a percentage of .067.
Temple’s overall field goal rate in that time is an equally awful .077 (2-for-26).
Temple’s minutes reduced dramatically upon Beal’s return, from 31.2 per game down to 13.6. But the Wizards would still likely be much better served by Allen on the floor for that time rather than Temple. At 38 years old Allen managed to play 26.5 minutes per game for the Miami Heat last year, while shooting .375 from downtown.
As good as Beal is, he’s still just 21 years old and has a lot of learning left to do. Having a future Hall of Famer at his position on the roster could be quite beneficial for his development. There’s also the matter of Allen’s relationship with Paul Pierce, which went south after Allen left the Boston Celtics to sign with the Heat in 2012.
Their former coach Doc Rivers said the rift would be mended eventually, and what better way to do so than by becoming teammates again? If necessary the Wizards could cut Rasual Butler in order to bring on Allen–Butler’s contract does not become fully guaranteed until Jan. 10.
The longer Washington can manage to stay near the top of the conference standings, the better its chances of signing Allen. At this point, it looks like a very intriguing possibility.
Next: Are There Wizards Among The NBA's 25 Greatest Scorers?