If Ray comes back, he should be starter again

[Django]

I've accepted the fact that Ray Allen is likely going to Miami.

We have to move on.

I wouldnt mind finding a way to get OJ Mayo, or even Jamal Crawford.

Or heck...even Gerald Green...kidding, kidding...

[LooseCannon]

Regardless of who starts, I think Avery Bradley should get the end-of-game minutes at the 2.

[boscel33]

Bradley should start unless he is dealt to improve the team.

[KGs Knee]

I've accepted the fact that Ray Allen is likely going to Miami.

I still don't buy it.

Miami can only offer the taxpayer mid-level exception of $3M and Ray would be coming off the bench in Miami as well.

So, unless Danny just doesn't want Ray back, and fails to even offer him a contract, what would the motivation be?  We could easily offer at least equal and likely greater money.  We can offer at the very least a similar role.  If he's offered a deal, it's because KG and Pierce will be returning, so he has his partners back.

There's really only one reason I could see him chosing Miami over Boston if all things are equal, his hurt pride.  He'd basically be flipping Ainge the bird.  I refuse to believe Ray will do that.

But if he does, I'll be burning my Ray Allen shirt.

[ScoobyDoo]

I'm a big believer in team continuity, therefore I'd really like to see Ray Allen come back.

On one hand if he wanted to start as a condition, I feel like "Ok, whatever", you start, we'll have Avery off the bench. I'd tell Avery, you need to come off the bench this season - try to win the sixth man of the year award.

On the other hand, I would find it irksome that Ray Allen would insist, at 37, on starting in the NBA as an off guard. I understand pride & ego but come on...do what's best for the team. And what is best for the team, is for you to be a hired assassin off the bench, play less minutes all season and be 100% healthy come playoff time so you can knock down the big shots when we need them.

That should be a compliment to Ray, not a demotion.

So I'm kind of on the fence about it. I want him back but if he's putting his own wishes ahead of what the team feels is the best and what is obviously the best to do by starting Avery, I don't know how I like that...

[clover]

I'm a big believer in team continuity, therefore I'd really like to see Ray Allen come back.

On one hand if he wanted to start as a condition, I feel like "Ok, whatever", you start, we'll have Avery off the bench. I'd tell Avery, you need to come off the bench this season - try to win the sixth man of the year award.

On the other hand, I would find it irksome that Ray Allen would insist, at 37, on starting in the NBA as an off guard. I understand pride & ego but come on...do what's best for the team. And what is best for the team, is for you to be a hired assassin off the bench, play less minutes all season and be 100% healthy come playoff time so you can knock down the big shots when we need them.

That should be a compliment to Ray, not a demotion.

So I'm kind of on the fence about it. I want him back but if he's putting his own wishes ahead of what the team feels is the best and what is obviously the best to do by starting Avery, I don't know how I like that...

I agree--I want him back, but only for the right price, bench position, and, most of all, attitude.

[chenaren]

Avery has proved his value. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[ScoobyDoo]

Yeah, because even if he starts, then is Rondo chafing because he prefers, at this point, and probably rightfully so, to have greased lightning next to in Avery Bradley. At some point you simply have to start placing players around Rondo that permit Rondo to run like he can. I think Ainge has started that process with guys like JJJ, Jeff Green and Avery. I expect him to take guys in this draft, at whatever position, who can also fly, or at least get up and down the court very well.

So, if Ray must start, maybe you do let him walk and try to get a younger replacement for him that is a better uptempo fit with Rondo and Bradley. Maybe that's why they're looking at guys like Jamaal Crawford, CJ Miles, etc...

And if they sign either of those guys, Ray is as good as gone in my book.      

[Yogi]

Ray is still a better player than Bradley.  Ray should come off the bench.  Bradley needs KG and Rondo more than Ray.  Ray will change his game to become more of a scorer while bringing spacing and stability to the bench.  Last year, because of his injury we didn't get a chance to see Ray the scorer.  It would be awesome to see.

[pearljammer10]

Ive already come to terms with the fact that Ray is probably leaving us. I for some reason am not to worried about it either, and it would be a luke warm surprise if I see him coming back.

[OsirusCeltics]

Yeah the hell right he's a starter

Last time I checked, he's still lacks lateral quickness on defense. Avery Bradley proved he can be a starter for the Celtics with his perimeter defense and improved jumpshot

His on court chemistry with Rondo (seeing as there are both athletic guards who can run the floor) would help the Celtics a whole lot

[SHAQATTACK]

Ray can leave if thats what he wants , thats on him. He 'll be a cHeater

What really matters most IMO is  KG comming back !!!

 

[More Banners]

I'm a big believer in team continuity, therefore I'd really like to see Ray Allen come back.

On one hand if he wanted to start as a condition, I feel like "Ok, whatever", you start, we'll have Avery off the bench. I'd tell Avery, you need to come off the bench this season - try to win the sixth man of the year award.

On the other hand, I would find it irksome that Ray Allen would insist, at 37, on starting in the NBA as an off guard. I understand pride & ego but come on...do what's best for the team. And what is best for the team, is for you to be a hired assassin off the bench, play less minutes all season and be 100% healthy come playoff time so you can knock down the big shots when we need them.

That should be a compliment to Ray, not a demotion.

So I'm kind of on the fence about it. I want him back but if he's putting his own wishes ahead of what the team feels is the best and what is obviously the best to do by starting Avery, I don't know how I like that...

I agree--I want him back, but only for the right price, bench position, and, most of all, attitude.

Not on the fence at all.  I like him off the bench and in the locker room.  I like him as a stabilizing influence around young, quick players, both on and off the court because young players make mistakes both on and sometimes off the court.

But Ray is not worthy of better treatment that Shaq got:  ubuntu, team first, Doc's in charge, no promises.  He has to want to be part of what we're doing.

He lost the starting spot fair and square, and it's Father Time that beat him out.  Young Avery is a better fit right now to start.  Ray could be lethal off the bench (and open up space for Green, also a starter-level talent).

[ScoobyDoo]

Zeus has spoken and I'm buying. Like the way you put that "More Banners".

It's on the money. I'd actually be very suprised if Ray would turn down the opportunity to run with these guys again, in whatever capacity the team needed. I understand the money aspect but I think we can give him the best deal most likely.

If he would spurn us after five years because of a "differnt role", at 37, he's probably a bit different guy than I perceived him to be.

I would think these guys, after all these years, wouldn't mind a bit lighter load on the legs to stretch their playing days at this point.

Again, well said.

[colincb]

Avery adds some energy and defense to the starting lineup.  I would give it another run.



I might still play Ray more minutes the Avery, but coming off the bench.

My preference also because we need a strong scorer on the bench and Bradley isn't a scorer. 

If it was the difference between keep or losing Ray, then I'd concede the point because the alternatives are unsatisfactory.  We'd need a scorer at the SG(and neither AB or MP fill that bill), we'd have only the MLE to buy one if KG comes back which we could use on some one else if Ray came back too, and there's a fair chance that the MLE wouldn't be enough for Terry or Crawford, who are inferior alternatives to Ray, especially Crawford.