NBA veteran Ray Allen has announced that he will not make a return to action this season, but hasn’t ruled out the possibility of making a comeback next year.
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Allen made the announcement through a statement released by his agent on Wednesday, and revealed that he would reassess his options next season.
“Over the past several months, I have taken a lot of time to deliberate what is best for me,” Allen said in his statement.
“I’ve ultimately decided that I will not play this NBA season. I’m going to take the remainder of this season, as well as the upcoming off-season, to reassess my situation, spend time with my family and determine if I will play in the 2015-16 season.”
There hasn’t been a shortage of interest in the two-time NBA champion after his departure from the Miami Heat at the end of last season, with the Cleveland Cavaliers thought to be the favourites to sign him.
However, he turned them down last week despite the draw of a reunion with former teammate and close friend LeBron James, and ultimately there are now several teams left disappointed by his decision.
It was also key that Allen stopped short of announcing his retirement as there is still clearly a desire to play basketball again in the future, but it remains to be seen whether or not an appropriate opportunity presents itself next year.
The 39-year-old turns 40 in July, but he has kept himself in shape at home in Miami, and it was felt as though he was preparing for a 19th season in the league, especially when James visited him during a break for rehab to discuss his future.
Allen is averaging 18.9 points per game in his career and made 2,973 3-pointers as he made his name as being one of the most deadliest shooters from beyond the arc in the NBA.
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