Ray Allen won't officially retire

Despite attempts to recruit him coming from a number of contenders last year, Ray Allen ended up sitting out the entire 2014-15 season. While being one of the league's best sharpshooters would allow him to set up shop in the corner and launch open shots from beyond the arc for seemingly an eternity, Allen decided that he'd rather play golf and spend time with his family.

This year there have been fewer rumblings from teams interested in his services following a year hiatus, but Allen still isn't quite ready to close the door on his career. While we are on the verge of training camp for the second year in a row without Allen on an NBA roster, the 40-year old veteran says that he hasn't officially retired.

"I haven't said anything about that and I won't officially retire," Allen told the Hartford Courant. "Because if something came to the table, contractually and situationally, I want to be able to take a strong look at it. I don't want to be that guy that says he's retiring and then is coming back."

Allen went on to say that he didn't miss playing basketball until the NBA Finals rolled around, and watching the epic battle between the Warriors and Cavaliers is when he first realized how much he wished he could be out there.  His time away from the court also helped him realize how much he missed being home with his kids, so it doesn't sound like he has any regrets about sitting out the season.

Signing a mid-season contract could make sense, as it would allow Allen more time to get back into game shape, while spending some extra time with his family. It also would give him the luxury of waiting until the playoff picture becomes clearer before deciding which contender to jump to.

Even if he does make a comeback, a return to Boston likely isn't in the cards. While Rajon Rondo no longer being around to pester him may make wearing Celtic green more appealing, Boston would need to surpass everyone's wildest expectations to be on Allen's radar. If he comes back at all it will be with a team that has a legitimate chance to win a ring. The Celtics are trending in the right direction, but they aren't there yet.

It has been a fulfilling 18-year career for Allen, who has won championships with the Celtics and Heat. He sounds satisfied with his accomplishments and is pleased to be able to walk away from the game without having run himself into the ground.

While Allen is leaving the door open for a potential return, this doesn't sound like someone with a burning desire to play basketball. Allen is infamous for his meticulous routines to prepare for game, so he would have to be all-in on a comeback in order to return.

Unless an opportunity comes along that ignites his passion for playing basketball, don't expect Ray Allen to walk through that door.