Battier retires, Allen still undecided

[Kevin]

Battier retires, Allen still deciding

"I've had a great career, I'm content with what I've done," Allen said. "It's hard to think past this moment. In the next couple of days I'll think about it and see where my true heart lies."

There will be no suspense for Heat forward Shane Battier. He made his retirement official Sunday night.

"I've given everything I can to the game and I don't have any more to give," Battier said. "And I'm OK with it."

What do you guys think? Is it over for Ray or do you want him to sign another contract for Miami?

[shadowgrin]

Ray Allen should sign with OKC.

[NovU]

Loved Battier in Heat's last two championship runs. He regularly took on the toughest job on defensive end and played as a big for the team consistently despite his size deficiency. Never was afraid to take charge, hustle and make big shots. Also loved his calm and regular folk like demeanor off the court.


As for Ray, I'd rather have him stay than Wade. He comes more affordable and durable, simply more reliable.

[stereoxide]

Another set of Heat role players leaving the team (though Allen is still undecided). If the Big 3 likely come back for another run next year it certainly be hard to replace these role players and with Wade declining it's not a good sign.

[Stress Fracture]

Thank you, Shane. One of the well-loved players back in his time with Houston.

I think Allen can play for one more year.

[Lamrock]

How many years does haslem have left on his deal? Dude is done.

I bet Ray Allen plays one year but probably not for the Heat. If he signs with OKC, I am no longer a fan.

[Patr1ck]

Ray Allen is in great shape. He doesn't look like a 38 year old on the court if you watch him move. It wouldn't surprise me if he plays another year.

[shadowgrin]

How many years does haslem have left on his deal? Dude is done.

Has a player option.
Riley will probably convince him to decline and sign a lower deal so the Heat can bring Melo...

[Sauru]

i wanted to vote for the 3rd option but you added too many words

[NovU]

This Heat team needs a complete make over. Keep LBJ and get all new pieces. Trade Wade and Bosh for Embiid, trade entire next decade's first round picks for Love, bring back Ray for a 6th man role again, sign Melo, Steven Blake, and Patrick Mills. While you are at it, record Micky's private conversation with his mistress and force him to sell the team to Prok for endless money supply.

[Sauru]

love it. 4 straight nba finals, needs a complete make over

[Stress Fracture]

If NovU is serious about that, he has a point. No one besides Lebron did all the work back in the Finals.

[Andrew]

I also wouldn't be too surprised if Allen sticks around for at least another year. Assuming he doesn't stay in Miami, he could perhaps help put another contender over the top; as already mentioned, he's still quite spry for a player pushing 40, and he can obviously still shoot.

[Jackal]

If Marco isn't part of SA anymore, Allen will probably end up signing with them.

[NovU]

I think the Thunder really could use him. Their bench isn't much and they really could use a long range sharp shooter. The difference in their SAS series this time around was missing presence of Harden. Remember couple years back when the Thunder wiped out the Spurs in WCF? Yep, Harden was great in that series. Perhaps Ray could somewhat make up for the loss a little.

But I think it's either another year with the Heat or retirement for Ray.

[Kevin]

Allen leaning toward playing 19th season

After briefly considering retirement following the Miami Heat's loss in the NBA Finals, Ray Allen is leaning toward returning for a 19th season in the NBA, according to sources.

Allen has a desire to continue playing alongside LeBron James, whom he developed a close relationship with during their two seasons together in Miami, whether it is with the Heat or another team. James and Allen vacationed together last week after the Heat were beaten in the NBA Finals by the San Antonio Spurs.

[Andrew]

Not altogether surprising. He can obviously still play and seems to be in good health; just a matter of desire and competitive fire, and it would appear that that's still there. I'd suggest that if he intends on remaining LeBron's teammate, that means he'll be staying in Miami.