How long can Ray Allen play at this level?

[campybatman]

...How long can the 33-year-old play at this high a level?

"I don't think he's going to lose his shot any time soon," Rivers said. "And as long as you can shoot in our league, you can probably play in our league for a long time."

Allen says several variables -- the state of the Celtics and his family, to name a couple -- will determine how long he is going to play. A Western Conference GM, citing Allen's age and recent ankle surgeries, said that Allen will probably only command a three-year deal worth between $25-30 million when he becomes a free agent in 2010. But Rivers says there is one overriding reason why Allen can "probably play as long as he wants to."

"When he gets to 50, if you put Ray Allen behind the three, would you guard him?" Rivers asked. "You sure would."

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/w ... index.html

[Spud34]

Overrated.

[celticfan42487]

hopefully a couple more years

[Bleeding Green]

Well, he'll always be able to shoot, but his ability to get into the lane and attack the basket will probably diminish in the next couple years. He won't be able to come off screens as quickly, etc.

He's definitely extended his career by coming to Boston where he doesn't have to be the man, and is instead a piece to the Big Four.

Reggie Miller was really effective until he retired, but there was a small but noticeable drop after 34-35. Other similar players and when they started to noticeably diminish: Eddie Jones (33-34), Tim Hardaway (32-33), Dale Ellis (38-ish), Glen Rice (33), Mike Finley (very gradual decline after 31 or so, but still effective), Gary Payton (35 or so). Most of these guys were still effective until they retired but they obviously regress around 35. I think Ray Allen is a better shooter than all of these guys and has no previous injury history outside of his ankles. He doesn't seek out contact and he seems like a really intelligent player.

No reason he can't be really effective for 4+ more seasons. I mean, right now he's having his best season since '00-'01.

[vinnycorleone]

[uNpReTtiEr]

Ray probably has the greatest routine in the NBA, Among the big3 I can say that he has the greater conditioning. Pls read this so that you can probably think how long Ray can play at this level.
http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball ... et/?page=1

[EvadedHavoc]

Overrated.

Do you hate Ray Allen? Be Honest.

[sully00]

This right now is the best Ray Allen has ever shot the ball by a lot and by any measure. He is playing better defense than at any point in his career and he is avg 36 mpg and has played all 62. How long can he do this I don't know but he is getting better not worse right now so you have to get to the top before you can look down.

I think that Ray has about 2 more years of All Star ball in him but that said many had expected the slide to already start and he is better than ever. Ray doesn't rely on his athleticism to get by and his shooting motion is effortless. I think you can compare Ray more to guys like Stockton and Malone than guys whose game has an expiration.

[campybatman]

I don't think Ray's shooting will drop off as he ages. But, he could lose parts of his game in other areas like with his stamina. This is important as he's a player who excels moving without the ball. I would prefer it if he didn't become one dimensional offensively even if he's still effective as a shooter. But, a decline is inevitable. I mean look at Finley and Majerle. The latter parts of their career, they'd become no more than three-point threats. You didn't notice the decline in Reggie Miller too much since he seldom drove to the basket anyways. He was more at home on the perimeter, anyways.

[Avalanche]

Tell you what, hes going to be an AMAZING role player to have off the bench a few years down the track for someone, having that caliber of shooter will always help your team

[SonicYouth34]

Reggie Miller was the same type of player and he played a long time.

[hickfromfrenchlick]

Heck, the C's wanted to pull Miller out of retirement last year. So somebody thinks he's not done and he's no spring chicken.

Barring injury, Ray should be able to play at a high level for at least 2 more years. Could be more, of course. And he will be a shooting threat until he hangs up his sneakers (and for decades after).

[OBisHalJordan]

Reggie Miller was the same type of player and he played a long time.

Ray Allen is better than Reggie Miller ever was. Not only is he a better all around scorer, he is better all around player. But yes, he is very good shooter and, like Reggie, he should be able to play for a long while.

[campybatman]

The more apt question might be for how long can Ray play for Boston. Salary aside, Ainge won't let him walk. But, not if his price tag around the league prices Boston out. A western conference general manager believes Ray can command between $8M to $10M a year over three years. That's a lot when you still must determine Pierce's value.

[sully00]

Ray is retiring a Celtic what would make anyone think that Ray Allen, who has banked over 100 mil bucks would go out there and stumble around and embarrass himself. I am sure he will be more than ready to move on and be the junior Senator from the State of Connecticut. But I would plan on him taking up a chunk of our salary for 3 more years for 10-15 mil a year after his present deal is up.

[TheMartian]

Overrated.

Do you hate Ray Allen? Be Honest.

Isn't it obvious? He bashes Ray Allen every opportunity he gets. He's probably Ray's little brother who''s trying to get out of his big brother's huge shadow. That would probably explain the hatred. Either that, or he's (she's?) a bitter ex-girlfriend.

Back on topic, I think Ray has at least 2 more good years left in him.

[Avalanche]

i know we all love ray, but we have to be willing to deal him next season if teams are getting despirate for cap space and make rush-trades with their younger stars

remember that if that did happen he would likely only be salary to them and we could attempt to sign him the following off season with the MLE

however, unless it was a big time upgrade im happy to keep him around, i wish Doc would run more plays for him in the 4th quarter

[Spud34]

i know we all love ray, but we have to be willing to deal him next season if teams are getting despirate for cap space and make rush-trades with their younger stars

remember that if that did happen he would likely only be salary to them and we could attempt to sign him the following off season with the MLE

however, unless it was a big time upgrade im happy to keep him around, i wish Doc would run more plays for him in the 4th quarter

Who the man? You the man!

[billfromBoston]

If you can get a bona-fide star in his mid twenties for Ray's expiring deal, clearly you have to look at it...but that being said, Ray projects into a significant role for this team for years to come at the right price...

[MalReyn]

i know we all love ray, but we have to be willing to deal him next season if teams are getting despirate for cap space and make rush-trades with their younger stars

remember that if that did happen he would likely only be salary to them and we could attempt to sign him the following off season with the MLE

however, unless it was a big time upgrade im happy to keep him around, i wish Doc would run more plays for him in the 4th quarter

Of course Danny would be willing to deal, but I don't think he gets dealt. We will be hard pressed to find a good younger talent who will even contribute equally to what Ray does for us now, and Ainge won't want to downgrade as long as we have a title shot.

The only chance is if the timing works out perfectly, and a team wants to rebuild and get rid of their star who has a long contract (our "Pau Gasol," if you will). We might be able to land a Kevin Martin, or a Corey Maggette, if they become really disgruntled with their teams, but I'm not even sure either of them would fit in as nicely as Ray.

The best case might be to let him expire and resign him at a bargain rate.