NBA: Ray Allen Would Solidify Cleveland Cavaliers as Title Favorites

Ray Allen hasn’t found a team yet, but if he chooses the Cleveland Cavaliers it will solidify them as title favorites

There isn’t much in the world of sports that can guarantee a spot on a roster. Being a two-time NBA championship and the greatest three-point shooter in league history is one of the rare combinations that can do that.

39-year-old shooting guard Ray Allen is a perfect example of this. Despite missing roughly a week of training camp, Allen is reportedly close to inking a deal to return for his 19th season after extending his summer.

Chances are, no one will bat an eye about the time he’s missed. That’s what being a legend does for you.

According to Glenn Moore of FanSided, Allen has signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Marc Stein of ESPN has since responded with an update on the situation:

Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio put an end to the rumors—temporarily.

Regardless of how long it takes, it’s widely expected that Allen will sign with Cleveland at one point or another.

Once the Cavaliers manage to ink the all-time leader in almost every three-point shooting category, they’ll complete what has been a monumental summer. Despite past fights against super teams from owner Dan Gilbert, he caved in and built one of his own.

Allen would round out what would be the undeniable favorite to win the NBA championship in 2014-15.

Solidifying a Deep Second Unit

The Cleveland Cavaliers have as much raw ability as you could possibly ask for in their starting lineup. They also have a bench that has enough talent to potentially win 15 games in the Eastern Conference on its own.

That’s not hyperbole:

For a group that’s playing behind three starters in Kyrie Irving, LeBron James and Kevin Love that will all likely see near 35 minutes per game, that’s a scary level of backup talent.

With a star-studded starting lineup, the Cavaliers are already a favorite to win at least 50 games in the Eastern Conference. During his first tenure in Cleveland, James alone all but guaranteed a 60-win season.

Add Ray Allen to a second unit that includes Shawn Marion, Mike Miller and Anderson Varejao, however, and there’s a nine-man rotation that could all see at least 20 minutes on almost any team in the NBA.

Marion was even starting for the Dallas Mavericks in 2013-14—a playoff team. Varejao was starting for the Cavaliers and both Allen and Miller played in excess of 20 minutes per contest on playoff teams, as well.

Allen may not be the player he used to be, and neither are Marion or Miller. What Marion remains, however, is an excellent defender who has proven himself time-after-time in the playoffs against elite talent—LeBron included.

Since teaming up with Allen on past teams, when James does run into trouble, the all-time marksman always seems to step up.

Invaluable.

Varejao isn’t the rim protector that Cleveland still needs, but he’s one of the best rebounders and pick-and-roll defenders at his position. Swap him into the starting lineup and Tristan Thompson onto the bench and the value remains with more upside.

Miller had an excellent 2013-14 season with the Memphis Grizzlies, converting 45.9 percent of his three-point field goals in 20.9 minutes. He also shot 48.3 percent from distance in 24.7 minutes during the playoffs and is responsible for all-time NBA Finals shooting performances.

Those performances were as a member of the Miami Heat. James, James Jones and Allen were both on those teams.

Even Matthew Dellavedova began to show his potential at the end of 2013-14.

Allen is 39, but he averaged 26.5 minutes per game in 2013-14 and shot 37.5 percent from beyond the arc. He remains an exceptionally conditioned athlete who, even in the latter years of his career, is both clutch and reliable from three-point range.

Collectively, Cleveland would have one of the best second units in basketball. Allen would be a major reason why.

Championship Experience

The Cleveland Cavaliers have immense talent in the likes of Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson, Anderson Varejao and Dion Waiters. That lineup looks like a playoff team, although the Cavaliers fell short with a debatably deeper roster in 2013-14.

For as much potential as that group has, it lacks one thing to get over the edge: championship experience.

Four-time MVP LeBron James is the face of the franchise and a two-time NBA champion. His presence alone doesn’t make up for the inexperience of his teammates, however, and that’s why Cleveland has been so methodical in its signings.

The Cavaliers signed 2011 NBA champion Shawn Marion—the man who defended James during the worst series of his postseason career.

Cleveland also signed two-time NBA champions James Jones and Mike Miller, who were sharpshooters during James’ title runs with the Miami Heat and heralded locker room presences.

That triumvirate of talent is certainly strong from a leadership perspective, but Allen brings a different type of presence. He’s a legend and sure-fire Hall of Famer who many young players grew up watching.

That applies to Cleveland’s roster that consists of a 22-year-old Irving, 26-year-old Love, 23-year-old Thompson and 22-year-old Waiters.

That type or aura goes a long way in a locker room where egos are fragile and veteran guidance is vital for a young team. Allen would help round out a second unit of veterans who can all keep the starters focused on the prize at hand.

For the starters, there’s next season. For a player like Allen, who hasn’t even decided if he’s going to retire or not, there may not be.

Don’t underestimate the value of a legend pursuing one last ring and the impact he’d have on those surrounding him.

That would be Allen in Cleveland.