Ray Allen is a Cavs target. (USATSI)
Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin acknowledged the team's pursuit of free agent Ray Allen on Monday, via the Morning Journal's Bob Finnan:
“Until he signs, that's going to be a target for everybody,” Griffin said. “Ray is someone who fits us as a shooter. His championship pedigree fits us at a really high level. With James, Mike and LeBron here, I think he'd feel comfortable with our group. At the same time, it's possible he's not sure he wants to keep playing. He's in no hurry to make a decision. We'll play that out as far as we can.”
Allen is still in limbo as training camp nears, and he's said it's possible that he could retire. It's also possible he could join a team later in the season. He's kept in shape and his shooting ability isn't going anywhere.
Griffin also spoke of how the Cavs' offseason additions have familiarity with their teammates, pointing to LeBron James and Kevin Love spending time together on Team USA and even Shawn Marion and Brendan Haywood's title-winning season with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. Allen would fit right into that, having played alongside LeBron James, Mike Miller and James Jones with the Miami Heat. Jones would be in favor of Allen coming to Cleveland, via the Akron Beacon Journal's Jason Lloyd:
“Until Ray decides what he wants to do, I know this remains an option,” said James Jones, who was Allen's teammate in Miami. The two remain friends. “I'm hopeful he'll join us.”
The Cavs "anticipate starting training camp without Allen," but they would like the 39-year-old to let them know his plans by the end of it, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. They've signed 20 players for training camp, and obviously Allen could impact who they decide to cut.
For Allen, Cleveland would obviously be a great situation. He'll likely have other options to chase a championship, though, and he also needs to decide whether or not he even wants to play. The future Hall of Famer certainly doesn't have anything left to prove.
Basketball Hot News
Magic Johnson reverses course on Danny Ferry
Danny Ferry did something wrong.
He never should have said what he did about Luol Deng, even if the African descriptor originated with someone else. The comment was racist and should have no place in any professional environment (or anywhere, really).
Since, Ferry has apologized. Twice.
That was a good start, but Ferry must also prove his sincerity through action. That apparently included apologizing to Magic Johnson, who previously called for Ferry to step down.
Magic then:
Magic now:
I’m not sure how Johnson fits into this saga other than he interjects himself into a lot of things, but his support will only help Ferry. Ferry already has a lengthy list of people who don’t think he should be fired, including NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
Though I wouldn’t protest if the Hawks fired Ferry, I have not called for Ferry’s firing. I’m not convinced his comment warrants that punishment IF he takes the appropriate steps to learn from his error.
Ferry remains somewhat out of the spotlight, so it’s not entirely clear how he’s doing on that process. Remember, Hawks owner Michael Gearon also claimed the front office’s diversity had worsened under Ferry. There are deeper issues to address.
But Johnson is convinced, and that counts for something. For what? I’m not exactly sure. But something.
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