Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Allen offers prolific 3-point shooting, a commodity teams always covet in free agency. Like [Reggie] Miller, Allen creates space to get his shot off by darting around the floor and rubbing shoulders with his screening teammates. All told, he generated 31.6 percent of his scoring plays from off-the-ball screens this past season, topping all NBA starters.
At this stage in his career, Allen almost completely relies on his frontcourt teammates to set strong screens so he can pick off his defenders. In Kendrick Perkins, Rasheed Wallace and Kevin Garnett, the Boston Celtics fielded a murderers' row of screen setters who crushed chasing defenders. But once Allen loses the essential ability to carve up the half court, he's likely finished as a contributor at the NBA level.
"He's showing his age right in front of you," one league exec said. "He's struggling to get where he wants to get athletically."
ESPN (Insider): Buyer's guide: Ray Allen
Harsh words for our boy Ray... but not entirely inaccurate, either. He's not creating his own shot. He needs the screens to get the job done. And when he leaves the Celtics' swarming defensive system, he may become a bigger liability on defense.
BUT... he's still one hell of a shooter. And if he's on a team, like Boston, that knows how to spring him... then he's worth one last contract.
Let's face it... Ray turns 35 in a couple of weeks. For him to be this good at this age shows what kind of shape he keeps himself in. But he's still going to be 35. How much money do you really give a 35 year old in the NBA?
2 years, $20 million in that ESPN graphic is still a touch on the high side for me. Any team that gives Ray 3 years is out of its mind. There's also a potential cap hit with long contracts for guys over 36 (as explained here). I'd like to think $16 million is enough for Ray to finish his career.
But who'll give it to him? The Celtics? Will they if Doc doesn't come back? The article mentions Chicago and OKC as possible destinations. I can see OKC working in some respects because their team is so young and some good veteran leadership and a clutch, go-to shooter would be a good thing. Chicago would work since they don't have a shooter to space the floor.
Still, Boston makes the most sense. Ray's not at an age where he wants to re-learn systems or pack up his family and leave. He wants his son, who suffers from diabetes, to be near top-notch hospitals. And I'm sorry, Oklahoma City... you're not known for your medical care.
So I say Ray stays... and I say it's for a 2-year deal.
On Page 2, photos from the Celtics Dancer auditions
Full Gallery of more than a 100 photos over at MyFoxBoston.com
The rest of the links:
Souza: Celtics future hangs with Doc | Globe: Draft has turned into a glorified trade show | Herald: Pickin' apart draft results | Celtics Blog: Summer league invites | Celtics Town: Why is Vinny Del Negro being considered for head jobs?