Dubai: NBA legend Ray Allen said his appearance at the Icons Cup all-star charity golf tournament at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club this week is “no indication” of his future in basketball.
The 39-year-old injury-ridden shooting guard, who is considered one of the most accurate three-point and free-throw shooters in NBA history, confirmed his attendance to this event before his former side Miami Heat had even failed to make the play-offs earlier this month.
But the 10-time NBA all-star and double NBA championship winner — who also played for Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle Supersonics and Boston Celtics in an 18-year career — said that didn’t necessarily mean he was on the verge of announcing his retirement.
“I found out about this [the Icons Cup] at the end of March,” said the free agent. “I thought it was a perfect opportunity, at the time I knew I wasn’t going to be playing for the rest of the season so I thought it was a great way to stay competitive and travel, I haven’t been able to travel because I’ve been so busy with my schedule, playing so deep into June for most of my career.
“I don’t think this is an indicator as to what may happen next year,” he added. “The summer will determine that. The beautiful thing is that my body is now able to get back to a level that I remember it in, because the last two or three years it’s been so hampered [with injury]. You end up getting hyped up on anti-inflammatories to get the swelling down. I’m starting to get back to normal, so we’ll see where we are in a couple of months.
“Definitely the passion and ability is still there, all those things are in tact. Unfortunately, all those things are great, and I played 18-years and I’ve had some pretty great success, but I do have to think of other things now. I have five kids and as I get older it’s harder to leave home, even coming here [Dubai] my kids were asking how long I’m going to be and when am I coming back.
“I’ve got to take into account if I do decide to play again. We live in Miami currently and that could require me to move again and then move the children, I do have to think about that, not just what I want for myself. I also have to think of it from my family’s perspective as well.”
