NBA Rumors: Why Ray Allen Would Make New York Knicks NBA Champs

The New York Knicks will have to take very specific steps in free agency to put themselves in position to win an NBA Championship and it starts with Ray Allen.

According to Ian Thomsen of SI.com, New York is interested in acquiring the future free agent when the summer arrives. That is if the Boston Celtics don't bring him back first.

But there are several needs Allen can bring to the Knicks on a nightly basis, whether it is as a starter or off the bench.

Here's how the future Hall of Famer will make the Knicks NBA Champs next season.

All-Time Three-Point Shooting

This past season, the Knicks were second in the NBA in three-point attempts, but it did them little good, as they shot at a 33 percent clip. It was good enough to rank New York 21st in the league.

It's no secret how advantageous it would have been if the Knicks shot at a better percentage from beyond the arc.

Allen would help that.

The former Celtic is a 45 percent shooter from three for his career and matched that number this past season, which was good enough for top five in the NBA.

If the Knicks could put Allen and Steve Novak on the same roster, that's a whole lot of consistent three-point shooting. Combined, they would easily improve the Knicks' outside game.

However, it could come down to having a choice between one or the other, but Allen's athleticism is far superior to Novak's because Allen can move well without the ball.

Playoff Experience

With the Celtics, Allen got all the playoff experience he could ever need. He's seen elimination games on the losing and winning end, not to mention countless game sevens and big shots.

That would be extremely valuable to the Knicks.

New York has it's fair share of young, inexperienced players who haven't been in a big moment ever. Allen is a guy to be depended upon in a big game and there would be nobody on the potential roster besides Carmelo Anthony that could be a certainty to hit a last-second shot more than Ray.

Defensive Help

The Knicks' shift to a more defensive-minded approach started with Tyson Chandler's arrival and made stronger by Mike Woodson's promotion.

While Iman Shumpert remains the only other standout defender on the roster, Allen's presence would help New York's perimeter defense.

Granted, he isn't as great a defender anymore, but any player who has learned under Tom Thibodeau and Doc Rivers knows something. He would be an accomplished voice on the floor to help the rest of the team find their way.

Allen knows what great defense looks like and that makes him a huge help.

Mentor

A championship ring, countless accomplishments and experience to spare, Allen will be a great teacher to any young player under his wing. But his knowledge doesn't cost a thing.

It's a part of what could be a substantially beneficial package to any NBA team and the Knicks are no different.