Bulls and Wizards are probably top teams in the conference. Maybe still the Pacers. This is all speculation though.
Ray Allen could add a veteran leadership to both Howard and Harden. Who is going to step in front of Harden and tell him to play team basketball when Harden goes onto his island. Howard has made it apparent he likes to enjoy himself and isnt going to be a vocal leader. Allen could add a dimension to the Rockets that many feel is sorely needed. One that emphasises professionalism. Harden is on the cusp of becoming the best shooting guard in the league. If he doest grab the bull by the horns he will be on the outside looking in at others who take their place as elite stars.
Maybe Ray Allen is also the backup plan to the "hey, let's hire an in-your-face black assistant coach who might try to hold James Harden accountable! Lionel Hollins is gone? What about Mike Brown? He told us to go do what? Well, how about Byron Scott?" Allen could either light a fire under Harden ("James, it's the playoffs! Wake up!") or just internalize it all ("man, that kid just doesn't get it or he just doesn't care").
teaser thread…. "Shuttlesworth" to the Rockets would be awesome, but I just don't see it happening.
Ray wants playoff records or titles. The east is the place he needs to go because he can get to the second round with ease.
Did you also notice the multiple occasions where the "leverage" argument was destroyed? Notably, by the fact that the Cavs can only offer the vet min, and there is no leverage to have?
Allen is the living definition of a "Great Shooter." Couldn't agree more. Getting him would be huge. Unlikely, but man, I hope we get lucky.
That's not necessarily true. Cleveland already has shooters in Miller and James Jones. Perhaps Allen is negotiating a guarantee as the primary weapon of choice (off the bench ahead of those other two). Ray Allen is a tireless competitor and a winner. If Cleveland has already promised this role to Mike Miller or James Jones, then Allen could be looking elsewhere (Miami?) if everything else (i.e. money, contract terms, etc) is equal. Bottom line: 'leverage' in negotiations doesn't always have to do with financials. There are other elements in play. Especially if we're talking about savvy vets whom are more interested in competing, than earning checks. I suppose the idea is to have both.
Why do people keep saying it's leverage if all Cleveland can offer is the vet min? We can't be used to get more than has been offered, because the max available has already been offered. So please explain to me how we are being leveraged.
Promises about roles are meaningless. Ask Jeremy Lin how it works. If it isn't in writing, it doesn't exist. Ask Chris Bosh how that works.
