Ray Allen Not Planning to Retire

The show will go on for Miami Heat shooting guard Ray Allen. 

After 18 years in the NBA, the sharpshooter isn't calling it quits yet. He's planning on returning for a 19th season, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. 

"At this point, I love how my body feels," Allen said. "It's 18 years for me. I love what I've done and how I've continued to feel."

And why shouldn't he? Despite the wear on his tires, Allen is still a productive player. The 38-year-old is averaging 9.3 points in 26.4 minutes per game. If his Game 6 dagger in last year's NBA Finals wasn't evidence enough, he's still got his sweet shooting stroke, posting a shooting line of .433/.353/.900 (FG%/3P%/FT%). 

Allen also enjoys the camaraderie he has with his teammates. That, as much as anything else, is the driving force behind his decision to keep playing.

"I think my desire to continue to play is all about wanting to be around this group of guys," Allen said. "Because the last two years have been my funnest, just with these guys, this locker room, because of the cameraderie that has built, and the togetherness. That's what means more than anything." 

Of course, having another chance to win a title is probably important to Allen. As far as that's concerned, he's got a pretty good situation going for him in Miami.

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