All Purpose Ray Allen Venting Thread (merged)

[JOMVP]

I'm not gonna lie, putting the basketball thing aside for a second.

Its a pretty dick move to go back to the Celtics and say, "LOL, I really dont want to sign with you but if you give me 9 million a year I'll do it."

Then go sign with someone else for 3. If you were gonna be that bullheaded, just go accept the Heat contract and stop leading the Celtics along with your "decision." That to me is unprofessional.

Good thing the Celtics went ahead with Terry when they did unstead of waiting around for Allen to jerk them around.

[Rondoholic]

he didnt sell out for a title, he sold out because of rondo.

It's absurd. It really must be so hard to play alongside a pass-first PG who's biggest knock is that he is too reluctant to score at all costs. Give me a break, would you leave $3M/yr ($6M total) on the table just because you disliked a co-worker. It's absolutely ridiculous.

Let's be honest. Ray had the most difficult time coming to terms with the fact that Rondo was on the upswing and more valuable while he was on the downswing.

I'm not hating on him to set things straight. It's a common sentiment amongst veteran players. It's just annoying for a player who has this reputation as a consummate pro who seemed smart enough to understand how the landscape was changing.

[lightspeed5]

he didnt sell out for a title, he sold out because of rondo.

It's absurd. It really must be so hard to play alongside a pass-first PG who's biggest knock is that he is too reluctant to score at all costs. Give me a break, would you leave $3M/yr ($6M total) on the table just because you disliked a co-worker. It's absolutely ridiculous.

Let's be honest. Ray had the most difficult time coming to terms with the fact that Rondo was on the upswing and more valuable while he was on the downswing.

I'm not hating on him to set things straight. It's a common sentiment amongst veteran players. It's just annoying for a player who has this reputation as a consummate pro who seemed smart enough to understand how the landscape was changing.

agreed. rondo is my fav player. ray was my 2nd fav but not anymore.

[guava_wrench]

he didnt sell out for a title, he sold out because of rondo.

It's absurd. It really must be so hard to play alongside a pass-first PG who's biggest knock is that he is too reluctant to score at all costs. Give me a break, would you lay $3M/yr ($6M total) just because you disliked a co-worker. It's absolutely ridiculous.

Let's be honest. Ray had the most difficult time coming to terms with the fact that Rondo was on the upswing and more valuable while he was on the downswing.

I'm not hating on him to set things straight. It's a common sentiment amongst veteran players. It's just annoying for a player who has this reputation as a consummate pro who seemed smart enough to understand how the landscape was changing.

No, Rondo's biggest knock is his attitude. He is just not a pleasant guy. This is pretty well documented.

And why would you ask us if we would leave millions on the table -- are we millionaires? Why shouldn't KG seek the best deal on the open market? When you have made over $100m, are you smarter to chase every last penny, or to seek to enjoy your work?

To be fair, I don't think Rondo is the only person Ray has had run-ins with. Didn't he have a run-in early on with KG about KG's cursing? It is possible Ray gets a bit preachy, and with Rondo being stubborn and unpleasant, I can't imagine him taking well to that.

[tarheelsxxiii]

I agree. I think it became a matter of Ray knowing his role in the system, and he didn't like what that had become. That said, even though this opportunity was presented to him from the outset, I think it goes against what sport (and the NBA) OUGHT TO BE. It's sad but, at the same time, it is what it is... a sign of the times. Again, I don't see Bird going to the Lakers if his family's life depended on it... and I hope he/others speak out about it.

[lightspeed5]

ray co-existed with rondo and the big 3 for years, and then resigned in 2010 again for another 2 year run. i think its very petty for him to take something personal with rondo and use it as an excuse to "significantly" consider to go to the heat

[ShayBoogie]

Ray probably wanted to play for a better coach in Eric Spoelstra, right? You gotta be kidding me Ray.

A quote that best sums this whole thing up is from one of my favorite shows, "The Wire". As Michael's about to kill Snoop, she says to him, "You were never one of us...you never could be."

[Rondoholic]

he didnt sell out for a title, he sold out because of rondo.

It's absurd. It really must be so hard to play alongside a pass-first PG who's biggest knock is that he is too reluctant to score at all costs. Give me a break, would you lay $3M/yr ($6M total) just because you disliked a co-worker. It's absolutely ridiculous.

Let's be honest. Ray had the most difficult time coming to terms with the fact that Rondo was on the upswing and more valuable while he was on the downswing.

I'm not hating on him to set things straight. It's a common sentiment amongst veteran players. It's just annoying for a player who has this reputation as a consummate pro who seemed smart enough to understand how the landscape was changing.

No, Rondo's biggest knock is his attitude. He is just not a pleasant guy. This is pretty well documented.

And why would you ask us if we would leave millions on the table -- are we millionaires? Why shouldn't KG seek the best deal on the open market? When you have made over $100m, are you smarter to chase every last penny, or to seek to enjoy your work?

To be fair, I don't think Rondo is the only person Ray has had run-ins with. Didn't he have a run-in early on with KG about KG's cursing? It is possible Ray gets a bit preachy, and with Rondo being stubborn and unpleasant, I can't imagine him taking well to that.

I'm asking because because we live in a capitalist nation and money drives all. Many people take hometown discounts (like KG) and others take less money for a chance to win a title. However, VERY FEW do so while having already won a title while also risking their reputation in the city they have the strongest legacy. Not to mention, the fact that he will have no larger role in said city and that it is the biggest rival of his previous team (in the last 2 yrs).

Ray has the freedom to do whatever he chooses. I just don't blame people for attacking him because there doesn't seem to be a single reason for him to have gone to Miami other than a quest for a random 2nd title and a chance to revenge what the Celtics did wrong to him even though they didn't do anything wrong to him. That's my point.

But then again, I'm not Ray Allen and I'll never understand how bad things were. Problem is that legacy lasts forever and random title quests only last the duration of your contract. Petty complaints (like this Rondo business) cost athletes more than they're willing to admit.

[lightspeed5]

he didnt sell out for a title, he sold out because of rondo.

It's absurd. It really must be so hard to play alongside a pass-first PG who's biggest knock is that he is too reluctant to score at all costs. Give me a break, would you lay $3M/yr ($6M total) just because you disliked a co-worker. It's absolutely ridiculous.

Let's be honest. Ray had the most difficult time coming to terms with the fact that Rondo was on the upswing and more valuable while he was on the downswing.

I'm not hating on him to set things straight. It's a common sentiment amongst veteran players. It's just annoying for a player who has this reputation as a consummate pro who seemed smart enough to understand how the landscape was changing.

No, Rondo's biggest knock is his attitude. He is just not a pleasant guy. This is pretty well documented.

And why would you ask us if we would leave millions on the table -- are we millionaires? Why shouldn't KG seek the best deal on the open market? When you have made over $100m, are you smarter to chase every last penny, or to seek to enjoy your work?

To be fair, I don't think Rondo is the only person Ray has had run-ins with. Didn't he have a run-in early on with KG about KG's cursing? It is possible Ray gets a bit preachy, and with Rondo being stubborn and unpleasant, I can't imagine him taking well to that.

I'm asking because because we live in a capitalist nation and money drives all. Many people take hometown discounts (like KG) and others take less money for a chance to win a title. However, VERY FEW do so while having already won a title while also risking their reputation in the city they have the strongest legacy. Not to mention, the fact that he will have no larger role in said city and that it is the biggest rival of his previous team (in the last 2 yrs).

Ray has the freedom to do whatever he chooses. I just don't blame people for attacking him because there doesn't seem to be a single reason for him to have gone to Miami other than a quest for a random 2nd title and a chance to revenge what the Celtics did wrong to him even though they didn't do anything wrong to him. That's my point.

But then again, I'm not Ray Allen and I'll never understand how bad things were. Problem is that legacy lasts forever and random title quests only last the duration of your contract. Petty complaints (like this Rondo business) cost athletes more than they're willing to admit.

rays made over 200 mill in his career. will a couple million make or break a deal at this point? doubt it. but i completely agree with your entire post.

[Rondoholic]

I would assume the money doesn't matter at that point. At the same time, we never know how much money of that still exists although Ray has always seemed like a smart, responsible person.

[kg is king]

First off, I will forever appreciate what Ray did for over the last 5 yrs, especially the 2007-08 title team.

With that said, I don't feel bad about about this for a variety of reasons and I have absolutely no qualms ab booing the absolute crap out of the guy. All this consummate pro stuff is BS.

This was not comparable to Damon, Clemens, etc. because, in this situation, the Boston team actually paid more $$.

He sold out for a title, which is weird considering the fact that most people who do this have never won a title in the first place, and thus we understand their desperation.

He put his legacy in the city on the line with his decision and now it's gone.

He sacrificed 2x the annual salary he would have made here.

He sacrificed more playing time because D. Wade is a more proven player than AB at the 2 spot.

With all this said, I now equate Ray as a mercenary or a man without a country. With his career spread basically evenly amongst Milwaukee, Seattle, and Boston, he could have taken this opportunity to solidify his identity with one franchise -- the Celtics. Instead, he threw it all away. I feel like very few would have came to the conclusion he did when you lay all the chips on the table. That's what makes me so confused/angry.

Let us not forget about Jet. Bring JT into town only reduces Ray's playing time even more. No doubt he'll get a bigger role in Miami serving as the primary wing off the bench whereas in Boston he'll have to jostle with JT and Bradley.

I still don't get why his legacy is on the line. This statement implies that by staying here, Ray will further cement his legacy. Dare I ask how? If we win another championship, it is high unlikely that Ray will play a big role. He'll be remembered as the one that played 15 minutes night in the finals and being too slow on D to keep up with Harden. This is Rondo's team now, and KG is the defensive anchor. We're not talking about a 32 year old Ray anymore. If we win it'll be due to Rondo's stardom, Garnett's continuous age-defying play, and Bradley's tenacious energy. Ray will play a very small part. But banner 18 features Ray in a leading actor role, along with PP and KG. Ray will be a supporting actor at best if we win again, so there's no legacy to cement.

[kg is king]

This is all I have heard on this board for a while.  Has anyone ever thought that perhaps the petulant Rajon Rondo is really the true professional here and not the thin-skinned Ray Allen?  Perhaps Rondo got tired of Ray's utter lack of effort on the defensive side of the ball when he is busting his butt to be an All-NBA defender.

I realize that this is heresy to some and I am ready to take the hits on this, but Ray has always been a weird and quirky man with all his obsessive-compulsive issues.

Oh Ray, so you got your little feelings hurt by almost being traded for OJ Mayo.  You should have taken it as an honor that an old, rather defenseless, 36-year-old could almost bring in a fairly highly sought after Mayo.  The NBA is a business and it was and still is Danny's business to do what he thinks is best for his company, the Boston Celtics, not what is best for Ray Allen! 

I cannot wait for the Celtics to put the Heat out in 2013.  I simply cannot wait.  I cannot wait to see Rondo vs. Allen in the Eastern Conference Finals. 

Smitty77

You nailed it yourself. The NBA is a business, and if a player doesn't like the direction of the team and sees himself as a better fit in another team, and that team also fits into what he wants, then a team change will happen.
I am assuming that you, like many other fans, feel a sense of betrayal. But before blaming Ray and wishing him bad luck, please think about everything that he has gone through and put in for this organization. And then compare that to how the organization treated him. Repeatedly being in trade rumors is not an honor, it's a sense of disloyalty. Sure the NBA is a business and loyalty is scarce. So if the Celtics aren't showing loyalty, then why should Ray? And do remember he took a discount to come back in 2010 too.
I think the word most people want to hear is not "consumate professional", but a "clingy professional", someone that no matter how he's treated, will cling to a team and never go to a destination where he's happy. The clingy professional will live a much harder life. Can we blame Ray for making a decision that he's happy about?

[chambers]

Hard to say he sold out for a title when he took 6 million dollars less to win a title...

Take off the green glasses and look at how much money he sacrificed just have a better shot at winning another championship. Pretty amazing in today's NBA.

You are right though, Ray has made his bed. He knows that though and he'll be expecting boos.
When you leave your team you can't win.

[Margarita5]

hello and welcome

[cltc5]

he didnt sell out for a title, he sold out because of rondo.

It's absurd. It really must be so hard to play alongside a pass-first PG who's biggest knock is that he is too reluctant to score at all costs. Give me a break, would you leave $3M/yr ($6M total) on the table just because you disliked a co-worker. It's absolutely ridiculous.

Let's be honest. Ray had the most difficult time coming to terms with the fact that Rondo was on the upswing and more valuable while he was on the downswing.

I'm not hating on him to set things straight. It's a common sentiment amongst veteran players. It's just annoying for a player who has this reputation as a consummate pro who seemed smart enough to understand how the landscape was changing.

agreed.  if someone said hey work next to this annoying guy for 6 million or work next to this nice guy for  3million, I'd find a set of ear plugs and a cubicle with 8 foot walls asap.  Id rather him go to the clips becasu it woulda made them better.  It'll make the heat better but its the heat and thats whats annoying the most