Ray Allen: Lewis, Durant would mesh just fine
ORLANDO, Fla. -- When asked whether Rashard Lewis and Kevin Durant could play together, Sonics guard Ray Allen thought for a few moments.
Then he asked an unexpected question: "Who has been asking that?"
While Sonics fans and NBA observers have pondered Lewis' future in Seattle with the expected arrival of Kevin Durant, Allen on Friday dismissed the notion that Lewis must depart to make room for Kevin Durant, the Texas freshman whom the Sonics are expected to take with the No. 2 pick in the June 28 draft.
Allen, an eight-time All-Star, said in a telephone interview the two small forwards could blend together, and along with Allen provide a formidable scoring triumvirate for the Sonics.
"For one, having too much talent is a good problem to have," said Allen, who said he is on schedule in his recovery from double ankle surgery. "I definitely think they can play on the floor at the same time. If you put a team together full of basketball players that can play the game and can help the team win games, then it can be nothing but a good thing."
Allen recalled his early years with the Milwaukee Bucks, when the team featured Sam Cassell and Rafer Alston at point guard, Allen and Michael Redd at shooting guard and Glenn Robinson and Tim Thomas at small forward. The Bucks found a way to get everyone involved.
Sonics president Lenny Wilkens said the club will attempt to re-sign Lewis, who opted for free agency last week and can begin fielding offers July 1. The buzz coming from the NBA predraft camp, which wrapped up Friday, is the New York Knicks have made Lewis their primary offseason priority.
New Orlando coach Billy Donovan, in search of another perimeter scorer to relieve pressure on center Dwight Howard, also could make a push for Lewis. Allen said he has talked with Lewis but will not offer free-agent advice unless asked.
The possibility of Kevin Durant joining the Sonics is intriguing to Allen, who will turn 32 in July. Kevin Durant, 18, is 6 feet 9, a gifted scorer and impressive rebounder despite his slight frame.
"He looks like he can really score the basketball," Allen said. "And he has good height on him. Some college players who come into the pros have to put a few pounds on, but then there's an adjustment period to understand what the game is about.
"Rashard will be a great mentor to him because those guys play somewhat of a similar position."
A former NBA coach said Allen is probably going to have to give up some of his shots to Kevin Durant and Lewis. Allen averaged a team-high 20.9 shots last season.
"I always said I would love to take less shots," Allen said. "Because if I can average 20-plus points per game on taking 12 shots per game, I become more efficient. That will be less toll on your body, and that means you have other players who can score."
Allen said he was pleased with the Sonics winning the No. 2 pick, especially given the organization's tenuous state and the possibility of relocation.
"We talk about having three scorers on the floor and three scorers in this league to be able to be successful," he said. "Having the No. 2 pick, we're guaranteeing ourselves one of the guys that is capable of playing of stepping out there and playing basketball. I think it's generated some good energy in the city because when a lot of great things haven't been happening for the organization, now something positive is flowing in our direction."
A day before the Sonics got the No. 2 pick, club owner Clayton Bennett visited with civic leaders in Kansas City, Mo., and expressed interest in moving the team there after the 2007-08 season. Tuesday, he told the Oklahoman newspaper he was "pessimistic" about the Sonics' chances of remaining in Seattle, saying Oklahoma City was the team's probable destination.
Allen said the fate of the Sonics depends on their fans.
"The organization is doing everything they can to ensure our future here in this city," he said. "The players are committed to here. Most of the players live here. All the guys want to be here, it's just the matter of the city wanting us here, the Legislature wanting us here and allowing us to solidify our roots here in this city. The Sonics have great tradition, and we have to keep that here. It would be sad for a city of this magnitude to lose a professional sports team."
Bennett promised to apply for relocation after Oct. 31 unless progress is made on a new arena.
"There are a lot of fans who want to see this team stay (in Seattle) because this is their team," Allen said. "The players aren't going to be here for the next two decades but the fans are always going to have this arena. This proposed arena is not for Clay Bennett; it's not for Rashard Lewis or myself. It's for the fans of Seattle. It's for the city of Seattle."
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