Ever imagine Stephen Curry, the greatest shooter in NBA history, playing alongside Ray Allen, who used be the greatest shooter in NBA history?
Me too. I may or may not have tried such a pairing in NBA 2k for an entire dynasty. There was just something about the triumvirate of Curry, Allen and Klay Thompson that made me feel good about myself. Having all three on the roster somehow validated my virtual play style. So long as I played with them, I was never under any obligation to shoot anything but three-pointers. They were my license to chuck from Kobe Bryant/J.R. Smith/Nick Young range and feel totally good about it.
Anyhow, said dream scenario could become reality. Maybe. If we’re lucky. Like, crazy lucky.
Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers confirmed that his team is interested in the out-of-work gunner while on 95.7 FM The Game, per CSNBayArea.com:
A report surfaced earlier this week claiming that the Warriors were interested in free agent shooting guard Ray Allen.
Has Golden State reached out to the 10-time All-Star?
Warriors GM Bob Myers told 95.7 FM The Game on Thursday afternoon that the club has in fact reached out to Allen’s representatives but said, “it’s uncertain as to what Ray wants to do.”
“Here’s the problem,” Myers explained. “We don’t have enough minutes as it is so it’s just a question of chemistry.”
Dang. Nothing like killing the dream just as it starts.
In addition to Myers throwing shit all over our frosting-doused pastries, there was also this from ESPN-er Ryen Russillo:
Hearing Ray Allen is telling teams "talk to me in January" will make a decision in February. Cavs still the favorite.
— Russillo (@ryenarussillo) December 5, 2014
Okay, here’s what we’ve effectively established: First, the Warriors don’t have minutes to go around. How could they? Everyone in their starting lineup—Curry, Thompson, Andrew Bogut, Harrison Barnes and Draymond Green—all deserve substantial playing time. They also have Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston coming off the bench, as well as David Lee on the way back from a hamstring injury. Allen wouldn’t come in and flirt with 25-30 minutes per night.
Second, and finally, Allen isn’t ready to play yet apparently. That’s totally understandable at this point. He’s waited this long, so he might as well wait some more. The championship picture will be hammered out by January, and he’ll be able to make a more informed decision—though it’s pretty clear the Warriors are world-wolfers at this point.
Plus, the Warriors could use Allen. They have the league’s best defense and remain formidable on that end of the floor when moving outside the starting lineup. Lee isn’t a good defender, but he’s yet to play, and Iguodala and Livingston are both recognized as solid perimeter-policers. The Warriors really need second-unit shooting. “Really need” is strong phrasing considering Steve Kerr doesn’t run those hockey substitutions, in which five bench players replace five starters, like Mark Jackson did. But their four most lethal shooters—Green, Barnes, Curry and Thompson—are all starting. Having Allen come off the bench adds another dynamic to that second-unit attack. He could also lighten the minutes load Thompson and Curry are shouldering, even if only a little.
Too bad we won’t know if this marriage gains any traction for a while. Allen, again, isn’t ready to play and the Warriors could probably scour the market for some tax relief in anticipation of next season before January. If they suddenly make Lee or Iguodala or both available, more minutes will suddenly open up.
Until then, we wait, all the while hoping Allen inevitably joins the Warriors, fully aware he might not, and therefore secretly hoping he’ll join the San Antonio Spurs if he doesn’t.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com.
