Ray Allen to Undergo Surgery for Ailing Right Ankle
After sitting out the first two games of the postseason and struggling in a number of contests thereafter, Ray Allen will undergo surgery on his right ankle this Wednesday to prevent any lingering problems (as reported by the Boston Herald):
"Allen will have surgery to remove bone spurs from the ankle at 6 a.m. on Wednesday at New England Baptist Hospital, according to a source."
With Allen a free agent this offseason, the surgery could help allay any fears that the 36-year-old is damaged goods at this point in his career. While a return to the Boston Celtics certainly isn't out of the question, there are at least some reasons to believe Allen could have his sights set on a relocation, as noted by Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix:
"Prediction: KG retires, Ray Allen walks (Miami, NY are atop his list, I'm told), Pierce is dangled in a trade.
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) June 10, 2012"
If Allen's interest is to be reciprocated, getting out in front of his ankle problems is a must.
With so much of his game predicated upon coming off screens and hitting jump shots with one of the quickest releases in the game, it's imperative that Allen's ankle be pain-free.
It could very well be the difference between a quick retirement and another two or three years helping a contender with his legendary perimeter game.
To hear Allen explain his status, that right ankle is the only thing holding him back from remaining a consistent contributor (via the Boston Herald):
"That’s my first priority, just going into surgery sometime. ... If I (could) do it tomorrow, I would do it tomorrow. That’s probably my main concern right now, is taking care of that. My body feels good. That’s been my only issue. After that, it’s hard to say.
"
Allen may not be the well-rounded athlete he once was, but he can still play. He averaged 14.2 points per game during the regular season, making over 45 percent of his three-point attempts in the process. Despite his reduced effectiveness in the playoffs, he still managed to score nearly 11 points a contest.
With a successful surgery and some time to relax after a hard-fought postseason, Allen should once again be making more than his fair share of three-pointers—in Boston or elsewhere.
