SAN ANTONIO — The first words out of Ray Allen’s mouth on the subject were the Heat’s company line on the future when asked where things were headed in the wake of a Game 5 loss to the Spurs and the Heat being eliminated from the NBA Finals.
“I’m not even at that point yet,” when asked if he had considered retirement.
But Allen later told Brian Windhorst of ESPN he would get to that point in the coming days, that a big decision is looming.
“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.”
Allen, 38, has played 18 NBA seasons. He is an unrestricted free agent. While Heat coach Erik Spoelstra moved him into the starting lineup for Game 5, that was more of a desperation move because Mario Chalmers had fallen off the map. Allen played in 75 games and is one of the better conditioned athletes in league, if he wants to be a role player next season (in Miami or somewhere else) he could do it.
“One thing is for certain, to [make retirement decision] on my terms is the most important thing,” Allen said. “Whether that is me retiring, staying here or going somewhere else it will be on my terms. I’ve made it to this point and I felt great that I have the choice to make it for myself.”
Allen knows he doesn’t have a lot of years left, and he showed leaving Boston he is willing to leave a lot of money on the table to chase more rings.
He just has to decide if he wants to continue that chase.
