Should the Charlotte Hornets consider signing former NBA champion shooting guard, Ray Allen, who is reportedly interested in returning to the league.
Ray Allen is interested in returning to the NBA and many teams are reportedly interested in signing him. He is arguably the greatest shooter of all-time (pre-Stephen Curry) and he may still be able to offer his sharpshooting abilities to a playoff team. The Charlotte Hornets could use more outside shooting and Allen may be a great fit.
The 41-year old shooting guard last played in the NBA during the 2013-2014 season with the Miami Heat. Although he has missed the past two years, he said that he felt great after going through his old routine and he may still be in good enough shape to compete at a high level. Ray was never forced out of the league due to injuries or lack of production so it would make sense that he still wants to play.
There have been rumors of him making a return to the NBA for the past two years but nothing ever came to fruition. Allen said that he would make his decision by the start of training camp. You can read the full story of his return here.
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In his last season with the Miami Heat, Allen averaged 9.6 points per game, 2.8 rebounds per game, and 2.0 assists per game. He shot 44.2% from the field, 37.5% from the three-point line, and 90.5% from the free throw line. He appeared in 73 with most of those coming off of the bench and he averaged 26.5 minutes per game.
The Charlotte Hornets could use Ray as they may have a void to fill off of the bench this season. He could be their back-up shooting guard in place of Jeremy Lamb if they choose to trade him as he has been discussed in trade rumors.
Allen would bring an excellent level of experience to the team as he is a two-time NBA Champion. Many may question what he still has left in the tank at his age but if he could be close to the form that he had back in 2013, then he could be an excellent pick-up for a team in the league. The Charlotte Hornets are on the cusp of being a contender in the Eastern Conference and the addition of the best shooting in league history could help push them over the top.
Charlotte is a very unlikely destination for Allen but if Lamb is traded, then it becomes a possibility. It is more likely that a team like the Cleveland Cavaliers or the San Antonio Spurs will end up signing him. The Hornets would likely go in another direction such as a young player rather than sign the 18-year NBA veteran. Rich Cho and the front office hasn’t been known to sign aging players and with the young team, they wouldn’t likely go after Allen.
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It will be interesting to see how many NBA teams contact Ray Allen in his quest to return to the league. It will also be intriguing to see how well he can actually play at the age of 41 against much younger players. The Charlotte Hornets should will most likely not be interested in signing him and that may be for the best as he does not seem to fit the mold of a Steve Clifford player nor does he fit with the current team.