Dallas Mavericks: Don’t Forget Them In Ray Allen Sweepstakes

Ray Allen is planning to make a decision on playing basketball this season within the next 10 days.

That’s good news because the world needs Jesus Shuttlesworth to be playing basketball, even until he has to use a walker on the court.

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ESPN.com reported at least six known teams to have interest in Allen, who plans to make his decision after the All-Star break. Those teams include the league’s best Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors, and include the Cleveland Cavaliers.

But don’t count out the Dallas Mavericks in that discussion.

The Mavericks were not one of the six teams mentioned, but they’ve been in the rumor mill regarding the NBA’s greatest 3-point shooter before. Before the season began, Mark Cuban said the Mavericks would definitely be interested in Allen.

From the Dallas Morning News’ Eddie Sefko back in October:

“We haven’t talked to him, but I think he’s doing it the right way,” owner Mark Cuban said of Allen. “He’s waiting to see who’s doing well. If it comes down to it, we’d always consider it. We’re always open to improving the team. But you don’t want to mess up a good thing, either. That’s when Caron got hurt and Roddy got hurt. But Peja is a good example,” he said referring to Caron Butler and Rodrigue Beaubois injuries creating a need for Peja Stojakovic in 2010-11.

Cuban is right. Dallas doesn’t want to mess up a good thing. And right now, despite the Mavericks losing 115-98 to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night, Dallas is 35-19 and sitting fifth in the Western Conference. They’re keeping things afloat with Rajon Rondo on the sidelines due to a facial injury.

Adding Allen wouldn’t require much change in Dallas’ offense. It doesn’t take much to have Allen move without the ball and make a 3-pointer.

The key, though, is Dallas taking a huge risk.

That risk being the Rondo-Ray feud.

Now, who knows if this is even a problem anymore? Who knows if Rondo and Allen still have this beef? Rondo nor Allen are in Boston anymore, and neither are Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. One would have to think that if there’s any problems at this point, they’re all personal.

If Rondo can put whatever it is behind him and play with Allen one more time, and possibly go on a championship run, then Dallas really needs to consider pushing hard for Allen if he decides to play.

This would also coincide with the Mavericks’ possible attempt at signing Amar’e Stoudemire if him and the New York Knicks agree to a buyout of some sort. It would be two big-time acquisitions that can help Dallas right away and have enough playoff experience.

It’s not even a for sure thing, though, that Allen would come to Dallas. He’s got offers from the likes of Golden State and Atlanta, that Dallas wouldn’t even be near the top of his list. But it doesn’t hurt to try.

Plus, this would have to come at the expense of Dallas moving one of their point guards out of the picture, so Raymond Felton might need to start packing his bags.

Hey, Dallas was able to get Rondo for a bag of chips, and possibly Stoudemire for absolutely nothing if he does get bought out. Getting a guy like Allen would be the icing on the cake for Dallas.

Next: 50 Greatest NBA Players Without a Championship

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