NBA Free-Agency Rumors (Photo : REUTERS)
There's no inkling of a doubt that the San Antonio Spurs are the breakaway winners of this year's free-agency after being able to retain the core of their championship group (Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard) and add LaMarcus Aldridge and David West (on a bargain deal) to the mix.
But the Spurs could turn into a more complete team, if they can fill up the remainder of their roster with quality veterans who can provide shooting, spacing and defense to the table. NBA writer Dan McCarney suggested the Spurs should make a run for free-agent shooting guard Ray Allen and small forward Tayshaun Prince.
In his latest article on My San Antonio, McCarney enumerated several free-agent veterans who are still available on a cheap but can put up quality numbers in limited playing time.
Allen, whose last game in the NBA was against the Spurs as a member of the Miami Heat in 2014 NBA Finals, is still drawing interest from multiple teams, although there are reports that the 10-time All-Star is leaning towards retirement.
However, McCarney believed the Spurs should revisit their interest in Allen, who could still fill up the void left by Marco Belinelli. Averaging 9.6 points on 44 percent from the field and 37 percent from the three-point line during the 2013-14 season, Allen would provide the spacing Duncan and Aldridge need to operate inside the paint.
"Allen will turn 40 in July, and could very well be done after sitting out last season. But, even though they have other needs, the Spurs would be remiss if they didn't at least give the sharp-shooting Allen a call after pursuing him in previous years."
Another former champion on McCarney's wish-list is the 35-year old Prince. Although the former Detroit Bad Boys stopper might have already lost a step or two, his bird-like wingspan and still solid perimeter defense would make him a perfect reliever to Leonard at small forward spot, especially on the defensive end.
Allen and Prince are way past their primes, but they are seasoned enough to give the Spurs bench stability next year. After a series of moves done by Greg Popovich and company, the Spurs still have five more spots available on their roster and these two championship-winning vets should definitely be on their list.
