Here are some quick thoughts from a Celtics fan (and Celtic Nation Blogger) on Ray Allen and his free agent decision. I am just one man, and one fan, but I feel like I have a good grasp on this whole Ray-to-Miami situation. A lot on my mind, but some of my thoughts in general appear below:
1) Ray was upset about not starting after he returned from his injury last season. But let’s face facts; Avery Bradley was playing better, and the team was doing better overall with Bradley in the starting lineup. Ray should have accepted Doc’s decision like a true team player. If that had been the case, he really wouldn’t care who started. Besides, Ray was on the court at the end of games, and that was more important than getting a starting nod.
2) Ray was unhappy with Rajon Rondo for a variety of reasons, and felt that Rondo didn’t pass to him often enough. I’ve have watched a lot of Celtics games, and I have never noticed Rondo not passing to Ray purposely. I’m not a fan of Rondo’s attitude, but he is clearly our best player and always does his best to hit the open player in the right situation.
3) Ray played hurt and in pain throughout the playoffs, and I will always respect him for that. He could have shut it down because he was a free agent, but he sucked it up and played reagrdless.
4) In the long-term I think this is actually going to be good for the Celtics. Let’s face it, Ray isn’t getting any younger, and there is always a chance that his ankles and feet could shut him down again. We can use the money to acquire a more athletic wing player or another big man.
5) Don’t worry, Celtics fans - Jason Terry is a more than adequate replacement.
Matthew Bamonte is a new blogger at Celtic Nation. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @Mmb728
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I think you are right on all four points. Good job!
Accurate, brought up some points that I didn’t even think of – I like this
I think it’s important to note that Jason Terry’s sock structure will provide critical ankle protection. Jesus Shuttlesworth could learn a thing or two about ankle preservation from him. Good post but something still doesn’t make sense about Ray’s decision. Was his displeasure with Doc’s decisions and Rondo enough to turn down a better deal in a, let’s face it, much better basketball city? I would think that a chance at a championship has a lot to do with it but the C’s were up 3-2 on the team that won it this year! Thee or four years from now we will be listening to him talk about playing with the best coach and point guard he ever had a chance to play with…in Boston.
Solid post….put things into perspective for me. I sure hope your right about Terry stepping up into what once was Ray’s role. Let’s face it, hurt or not hurt, Ray’s game hasn’t been the same for a while now. Hopefully, the money gets invested into a impact player.
its sad to see ray go to south beach, but its more good for the celts..