Ray's place in the Big Three

[Fan from VT]

I think that it's natural that of the Big Three he ends up playing third fiddle to Pierce and Garnett. Garnett is one of the transcendent talents of the past 15 years, up there with Duncan, Kobe, Lebron, and Shaq. He should get the appropriate attention. And Pierce is the face of the franchise. He's been a Celtic forever, so of course he resonates more with fans and gets the media recognition connected with the Celtics.

[Neurotic Guy]

Ray struggled last year partially due to coming off injured ankles and partially due to taking on a new role as '3rd banana'.  If Pierce and KG were tied for 1, Ray was legitimately 1A last year.  Remember -- there were worries about him at various times last year -- his shot was not falling at times and there were worries that he was declining.  There were even concerns during a couple of playoff series, but thankfully, he was great in the finals.  

This year, it is a different story -- but fan habits die hard.  It's easy to still perceive Ray as the slightly less integral member of the Big 3.  But this year's reality is that PP, KG and RA are of equal importance.  Ray has been outstanding and consistent all year.  He is showing multiple dimensions of offensive talent -- and we all know the bonus of Ray's buy-in and ability within the defensive scheme is an unexpected gift.  Like LB used to make me do (and Pierce does frequently), I sometimes just find myself shaking my head in amazement with a goofy smile on my face watching Ray dazzle this year.  

He is a star and a hall of famer who has shown he is STILL in his prime!

[Roy Hobbs]

Ray struggled last year partially due to coming off injured ankles and partially due to taking on a new role as '3rd banana'.  If Pierce and KG were tied for 1, Ray was legitimately 1A last year.  Remember -- there were worries about him at various times last year -- his shot was not falling at times and there were worries that he was declining.  There were even concerns during a couple of playoff series, but thankfully, he was great in the finals.  

This year, it is a different story -- but fan habits die hard.  It's easy to still perceive Ray as the slightly less integral member of the Big 3.  But this year's reality is that PP, KG and RA are of equal importance.  Ray has been outstanding and consistent all year.  He is showing multiple dimensions of offensive talent -- and we all know the bonus of Ray's buy-in and ability within the defensive scheme is an unexpected gift.  Like LB used to make me do (and Pierce does frequently), I sometimes just find myself shaking my head in amazement with a goofy smile on my face watching Ray dazzle this year.  

He is a star and a hall of famer who has shown he is STILL in his prime!

I think a lot of fan worries about Ray's alleged struggles last year were overblown.  Ray's eFG%, TS%, FG%, FT%, and 3PT% were all above his career averages, and in each case were above his 2006-07 numbers.  Last season, up until that point, was one of the four most efficient seasons of Ray's career.

I agree that the perception was that he had a bad year, and he certainly had a better second half of the season than he did in the first half.  However, in terms of the regular season, he was very, very good.

He struggled, of course, for much of the playoffs, but was incredible in the last two games against Detroit and against the Lakers.

[Toine43]

Side Note: Ray Allen did play in the All-Star game last year (the op said he didn't), and he probably should have been the MVP of the game. Although, just like this year, it took an injury and a selction by Stern to get him on the All-Star team.

[bostonfan23]

I feel like it's part of Ray's personality to be more private. I hope the general public is paying attention to what he's doing this year, because he's tearing it up. He's the sort of guy that could have a very long, effective career. He's just a killer player and total professional... he takes young guys under his wing, too. Very glad he's on our team.

[Drucci]

Side Note: Ray Allen did play in the All-Star game last year (the op said he didn't), and he probably should have been the MVP of the game. Although, just like this year, it took an injury and a selction by Stern to get him on the All-Star team.

My bad, I've just read again my sentence about the ASG and it was bad written (I do my best with the english but I'm French). I meant that Ray was at the ASG last year but, like this year, he was chosen to replace an injured player. And yes, he should have won the MVP award but LeBron was more interesting for the NBA hype...

[Jaycelt]

I think that it's natural that of the Big Three he ends up playing third fiddle to Pierce and Garnett. Garnett is one of the transcendent talents of the past 15 years, up there with Duncan, Kobe, Lebron, and Shaq. He should get the appropriate attention. And Pierce is the face of the franchise. He's been a Celtic forever, so of course he resonates more with fans and gets the media recognition connected with the Celtics.

 I agree with this but I would like to put something else out there.

It's been my observation that Garnett has his detractors amongst Celtics fans, although they are few.  Lord knows Pierce has always had his detractors on this blog.  I can't remember a single post that was critical of Ray.  Not one.  I'm not talking about some reactionary post after a bad game talking about how he's getting old so we need to trade him before he loses his trade value.((edit- added for clairty for BballTim))
I'm talking about someone saying they just don't like him and wish he weren't a Celtic.

So, in a way, Ray is probably the most popular of the Big 3.

[BballTim]

I think that it's natural that of the Big Three he ends up playing third fiddle to Pierce and Garnett. Garnett is one of the transcendent talents of the past 15 years, up there with Duncan, Kobe, Lebron, and Shaq. He should get the appropriate attention. And Pierce is the face of the franchise. He's been a Celtic forever, so of course he resonates more with fans and gets the media recognition connected with the Celtics.

 I agree with this but I would like to put something else out there.

It's been my observation that Garnett has his detractors amongst Celtics fans, although they are few.  Lord knows Pierce has always had his detractors on this blog.  I can't remember a single post that was critical of Ray.  Not one.  I'm not talking about some reactionary post after a bad game talking about how he's getting old.
I'm talking about someone saying they just don't like him and wish he weren't a Celtic.

So, in a way, Ray is probably the most popular of the Big 3.

  You missed all of the "trade Ray Allen" threads?

[MBz]

He may be #3 on the team, but I bet you he'll have a longer career then KG or Pierce.  His style of play and his shooting ability is going to keep him in the league for a long time.

[davidl]

I know when it comes time for my kid to pick a role model, I push for him to choose #20.

[Kiorrik]

I'd have ray in on the big three if even just for his icy attitude.

[Roy Hobbs]

I think that it's natural that of the Big Three he ends up playing third fiddle to Pierce and Garnett. Garnett is one of the transcendent talents of the past 15 years, up there with Duncan, Kobe, Lebron, and Shaq. He should get the appropriate attention. And Pierce is the face of the franchise. He's been a Celtic forever, so of course he resonates more with fans and gets the media recognition connected with the Celtics.

 I agree with this but I would like to put something else out there.

It's been my observation that Garnett has his detractors amongst Celtics fans, although they are few.  Lord knows Pierce has always had his detractors on this blog.  I can't remember a single post that was critical of Ray.  Not one.  I'm not talking about some reactionary post after a bad game talking about how he's getting old so we need to trade him before he loses his trade value.((edit- added for clairty for BballTim))
I'm talking about someone saying they just don't like him and wish he weren't a Celtic.

So, in a way, Ray is probably the most popular of the Big 3.

You're misremembering.  There were several "what's wrong with Ray?" / "Ray is on the downside of his career"  / "Bring Ray off the bench" / "Would you still do the trade with Seattle?" threads.  Ray got way more criticism than KG and Pierce combined.

[blueygreen]

I think that it's natural that of the Big Three he ends up playing third fiddle to Pierce and Garnett. Garnett is one of the transcendent talents of the past 15 years, up there with Duncan, Kobe, Lebron, and Shaq. He should get the appropriate attention. And Pierce is the face of the franchise. He's been a Celtic forever, so of course he resonates more with fans and gets the media recognition connected with the Celtics.

 I agree with this but I would like to put something else out there.

It's been my observation that Garnett has his detractors amongst Celtics fans, although they are few.  Lord knows Pierce has always had his detractors on this blog.  I can't remember a single post that was critical of Ray.  Not one.  I'm not talking about some reactionary post after a bad game talking about how he's getting old so we need to trade him before he loses his trade value.((edit- added for clairty for BballTim))
I'm talking about someone saying they just don't like him and wish he weren't a Celtic.

So, in a way, Ray is probably the most popular of the Big 3.

You're misremembering.  There were several "what's wrong with Ray?" / "Ray is on the downside of his career"  / "Bring Ray off the bench" / "Would you still do the trade with Seattle?" threads.  Ray got way more criticism than KG and Pierce combined.

I think Jay just means that Ray is the one on the Big Three that no Celtics fan can say they hate for their court antics or the way they carry themselves; nothing to do with his performance. While some can be annoyed at KG for his screaming, yelling and pointing at PG's and others can remember Paul's antics with Indiana or even cite his behaviour with the little kid in the Cavs jersey a few days ago, nobody can say that Ray hasn't handled himself perfectly. But similarly, while people on other teams hate Paul and hate KG, hardly anybody hates Ray. So it's a doube-edged sword in that respect.

And just for the record, I'm not sure I entirely agree with Jay's point and I definately don't hate KG or Paul, the complete opposite is the case, I'm just trying to clarify the way I thought it was meant to be said

[Jaycelt]

 TP for you blueygreen.  That's exactly what I meant.

[LarBrd33]

If Ray's not hittin it, our offense is terrible.