NBA Free Agents 2011: 5 Reasons the Chicago Bulls Should Pursue Ray Allen

While there's some question and debate over whether the Chicago Bulls have the team to win it all this year, there's little debate that they would be greatly improved if they had the right shooting guard in place. 

There's been a lot of talk and Internet space devoted to who the best player would be, and there are a lot of people who could help the Bulls be an even better team. 

I've been giving it a lot of thought, and I think Ray Allen would be the best player for the Bulls to add. Here are five reasons why. 

The Three

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BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Ray Allen #20 of the Boston Celtics shoots a three point basket against the New York Knicks in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. T

On one hand, Ray Allen has hit more three point shots than anyone in NBA history.

On the other hand, the Bulls are virtually unbeatable when they get production from the shooting guard position.

Counting the postseason, the Bulls are 45-4 when they get two 3-pointers from the position (Ronnie Brewer and/or Keith Bogans). Allen averaged 2.1 this year.

See how nicely that fits together? 

Keep in mind that 45-4 is no small sample size, but it's enough of a sample to have to be factored in. That translates to 75 wins in an 82-game season. 

Granted, it's enormously unlikely they are going to maintain that pace over 82 games. But it's not at all unlikely that a team that won 62 games with significant injuries could raise their win total into the high 60's with the addition of the greatest three-point shooter in NBA history.  

Defense

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BOSTON, MA - MARCH 09: Ryan Gomes #15 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks to pass as Ray Allen #20 of the Boston Celtics defends on March 9, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downlo

Ray Allen was questioned in regards to his defense for the first part of his career, but when he got to Boston, he turned it around. He's still not the greatest defender in the NBA, but he's better than Kyle Korver and would solve the problem the Bulls have in forcing a decision between defense and shooting. 

It's not just that he's a capable defensive player either; he's a player who knows the defense the Bulls run. He played it under Thibodeau in Boston, so having a player who could step into the scheme and not have much of a learning curve would be a huge bonus for the Bulls. 

Chemistry

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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 30: Ray Allen #20 of the Boston Celtics warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 30, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by

Ray Allen is famous for his work ethic, reportedly being routinely the first man at the gym whether for practice or games. That's the kind of ethic the Bulls' organization loves and one which they seem to all share.

The Bulls have achieved by being greater than the sum of their parts. They've done so because they respect one another, and they respect one another because they earn one another's respect. A player with the work ethic of Ray Allen would fit right in with the team.  

Creativity

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BOSTON, MA - MAY 07: Ray Allen #20 of the Boston Celtics drives to the net as Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat defends in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on May 7, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

Ray Allen does have the ability to create his own shot and get to the rim when he needs to. In fact 17 percent of his points come in the paint.

The Bulls need to find the right balance with the shooting guard position. They want a player who can get to the rim, but doesn't try to take over the ball handling duties from Derrick Rose. 

They need a shooting guard who can both produce spacing by knocking down outside shots and can also penetrate if the opposition is running a lot of traps on Rose. Finding a player who can do both without falling too much in love with their own ability is not easy. 

Allen seems to strike the right balance. He can penetrate and get to the rim when he needs to, but his main game shooting from outside. The other 83 percent of Allen's scoring comes on jump shots.

He would probably be willing to come to Chicago in the interest of getting a second ring. That motive, coupled with his recent history, indicate that he would readily accept the role as a second or third option.  

Clutch

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MIAMI, FL - MAY 03: Ray Allen #20 of the Boston Celtics takes a shot against Mike Bibby #0 of the Miami Heat during Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2011 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena on May 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE

Allen is also a fantastic clutch shooter. If you define clutch shots as situations where the shot clock is off at the end of the game, and the player's team is either tied or losing by three or less (i.e. one shot can tie or win the game) Allen has 17.  

If the Bulls had Allen on the court, the combination of him, Kyle Korver and Derrick Rose would give the Bulls three bona fide shooters on the court in clutch situations. 

It's not just the Allen's clutch moments either; he has the experience of playing deep into the postseason and one championship ring. The maturity that he would bring to the table would be invaluable. 

If the Bulls sign Allen, there's not much left to look at and think, "Chicago needs..." There are plenty of good reasons to get him, and not enough bad ones not to.