woj article: ray chose miami to stick it to the celtics

[cb8883]

You think we're going to see him start wearing the fake glasses like Wade

SMH

[slamtheking]

Way to keep it classy once again Boston fans. Way to rip the guy who got the Celtics a ring, class all the way in Boston! If everyone on this blog was a 1/10th of the person Jesus Shuttlesworth is this world may not be filled with all this hate. Booo to you all, booo I say!

If Ray wouldnt have no showed in Game 7, he would have had another ring.

true.

Ray was the weak link in the 'big 4' since 2009.  2009 was the only playoffs run that Ray played pretty well the whole playoffs -- especially against Chicago.

He wasn't that great in the 2008 season having come off ankle surgery.
His disappearance in the 2010 finals after his record setting game was a key to LA winning.
His performance in 2011 was less than stellar -- particularly in the Heat series.
His performance in 2012 was less than stellar -- bone spurs this time.

I have a feeling the Ray signing will come back to haunt Miami before that contract is up.  I can see JET making us forget all about Ray over the next couple of years (not so sure about that last year).   We'll actually have a scorer off the bench that can create off the dribble and not need to run most of the shot clock down to get free off a screen.  Also, Bradley will give Rondo a running mate on the break and will receive a number of good passes from Rondo on those cuts to the basket (which Ray doesn't make).

[Roy H.]

WOJ doesnt post opinion pieces...the guy is probably one of the best/most knowledgable reporters on the NBA

Woj posts opinion pieces all the time.  He's also not above conjecture.  Have you read any of the stuff (bordering on unprofessional) that he's written about Lebron in the past?

how come its so easy for you to beleive that Rondo is a problem when theres no public comments asserting as much?

There's been a ton of stuff written about Rondo clashing with coaches and teammates.  This isn't new.

[Prof. Clutch]

That was a fun article to read.  Between the sadness I feel at how this whole situation crumbled to the floor, I'm really entertained by all this juicy drama.  I wonder how NBA fans around the league feel about this whole Ray to Miami situation.

[Kuberski33]

Look, Ray for 5 years gave us everything he had, won a title and came very, very close to 2 more.  He easily could have shut it down during the playoffs this year and said screw it, what's the benefit in me playing?  But he didn't.  He did the best he could even though it was obvious he was a shell of himself while healthy.  Agents today are often instructing their players to sit when there's any question about health.

What shocks me though is he took a contract at roughly 50% of his market value to join the Heat.  That to me is acting like a jilted lover.  Wonder whether he'll regret that financial decision at some point...?

On the other hand, the Celtics are a better team with Bradley and Ray at his age can't guard anyone.   So we move on.  I'm with the posters who say give him a standing O when he's announced his first trip back here.  And from then on he's the enemy.

[Tgro]

Let the Hate Begin....

You're now the enemy Ray!

Can't wait until we beat you now!!!

You done did the unforgivable sin....

[Kuberski33]

What's interesting me is the contrast between Ainge and Red Auerbach.  Red always believed in loyalty, which is why he didn't move any of the previous Big 3 when they began to decline.  Danny has often said he disagrees with that. 

This is the downside of Danny's philosophy. For all this stuff about his supposed military demeanor, what Ray did is kind of what a teenager would want to do if they felt s--t upon.  The dude has a serious ego -- which is also probably part of what has made him such a good player.

[RJ87]

What's also interesting about this article is that it says KG recruited Allen hard the past few wks, as did Paul (albeit not as avidly as KG). Now, its no secret Paul and KG don't like the Miami Heat. And then Ray signs with that very team.

This feels very personal.

You can argue its a business all you want, but he didn't leave for more money or a guaranteed starting gig.

[Finkelskyhook]

What's interesting me is the contrast between Ainge and Red Auerbach.  Red always believed in loyalty, which is why he didn't move any of the previous Big 3 when they began to decline.  Danny has often said he disagrees with that. 

This is the downside of Danny's philosophy. For all this stuff about his supposed military demeanor, what Ray did is kind of what a teenager would want to do if they felt s--t upon.  The dude has a serious ego -- which is also probably part of what has made him such a good player.

Comparing Ainge to Red where loyalty is concerned is hardly fair.

Red didn't have the salary cap, luxury tax,  miniumm and maximum salaries, fixed rookie salaries, and free agent conplexities that a current NBA GM has today.  Not to mention managing expiring contracts...etc.

Danny has made a bunch of good moves and a few bad ones....But it's a bit of a stretch to question his loyalty to his players or his team. 

[Senninsage]

Please, I don't care what anyone tries to say about Ray. Ray kept it professional where it mattered, on the floor. He doesn't need to be Rondo's best bud. Every team and teammate will have their issues.

The Celtics as an organization weren't treating Ray like they really think he belonged. They didn't appreciate the player that they had, which is why they kept trying to trade him away, and couldn't bring themselves to commit to him as a player for 3 years with a contract more deserving of the player. If the Celtics were serious about committing to ray long term, and reloading for another run, they would have offered him something that suggests that. Simply having the higher offer when that offer is $12 million isn't good enough. I hoped it would be, but they should have known privately that it wasn't good enough. They are the ones talking to him, after all.

Jeff Green 3 to 4 years most likely. KG 3 years. Bass 3 years. Ray Allen doesn't deserve similar commitment with what he brings to the team? I don't blame Ray. After years of being loyal, and giving it 100% out on the court for the Celtics while receiving very little appreciation from the front office, Ray Allen deserves to be just a little bit selfish, and do what he thinks is best for him for once.

If the Celtics don't feel that Ray Allen is important enough to them or their future, why shouldn't Ray go somewhere where they REALLY, REALLY want him?

[Kuberski33]

What's interesting me is the contrast between Ainge and Red Auerbach.  Red always believed in loyalty, which is why he didn't move any of the previous Big 3 when they began to decline.  Danny has often said he disagrees with that. 

This is the downside of Danny's philosophy. For all this stuff about his supposed military demeanor, what Ray did is kind of what a teenager would want to do if they felt s--t upon.  The dude has a serious ego -- which is also probably part of what has made him such a good player.

Comparing Ainge to Red where loyalty is concerned is hardly fair.

Red didn't have the salary cap, luxury tax,  miniumm and maximum salaries, fixed rookie salaries, and free agent conplexities that a current NBA GM has today.  Not to mention managing expiring contracts...etc.

Danny has made a bunch of good moves and a few bad ones....But it's a bit of a stretch to question his loyalty to his players or his team. 

Obviously it's different times...and two different management approaches.  My point is a situation like this is simply the downside of Danny's approach.  It doesn't account for the personal feelings being hurt of someone with a huge ego - hurt to the point where he makes a decision that a lot of guys probably wouldn't have made.   

If I ran a team today, I'd probably follow Danny's approach.  With the money at stake, and given the financial implications of your team falling into total mediocrity - not to mention your own job security - you can't afford to be sentimental. 

[Mr October]

Wojo does a tremendous job once again! I find it ironic that the entire piece chronicles everything that Doc, Danny and Rondo supposedly did wrong throughout Ray's tenure in green. The one thing missing from Ray's "source" is did he do anything wrong? Growing up I was always told it takes two.

I think it does take two as well. And what Ray did wrong, because he is human, was not handle his fading skills and role compared to Rondo's very well. By 2010, Rondo was better. Rondo was being paid more. Allen became the 4th member of the big 3. And as more time went on, it was clear that Rondo's basketball IQ was higher. Rondo is one of those rare ball players that can see a play develop before it happens. Its amazing. And I am so glad he is a Celtic. All this stuff is alluded to in the Woj article and it makes complete sense to me.

Ray didn't handle having his role reduced well. Even the original big three didn't handle aging well at the very end. There comes a time when they can't do what they once could at an all star level. Allen became the most expendable of the stars. It'll be interesting how his OCD routines will mesh with all the personalities on the Heat. He may grow to regret his decision.

[Timdawgg]

I actually am glad he left. Not for Miami, but I just always felt since Bradley's emergence Ray did not like his role. I know the Celts would be better this year with Bradley starting. I was concerned if Ray stayed it would be the same old thing and Doc may continue to start him over Bradley. It is weird, I was really looking forward to the change and once Terry was signed I was really hoping Ray would leave. I am actually relieved..even though I hate that it is to the heat. Anyone else feel like that?

[BballTim]

What's interesting me is the contrast between Ainge and Red Auerbach.  Red always believed in loyalty, which is why he didn't move any of the previous Big 3 when they began to decline.  Danny has often said he disagrees with that. 

This is the downside of Danny's philosophy. For all this stuff about his supposed military demeanor, what Ray did is kind of what a teenager would want to do if they felt s--t upon.  The dude has a serious ego -- which is also probably part of what has made him such a good player.

Comparing Ainge to Red where loyalty is concerned is hardly fair.

Red didn't have the salary cap, luxury tax,  miniumm and maximum salaries, fixed rookie salaries, and free agent conplexities that a current NBA GM has today.  Not to mention managing expiring contracts...etc.

Danny has made a bunch of good moves and a few bad ones....But it's a bit of a stretch to question his loyalty to his players or his team. 

  There was a salary cap when the big three were declining and it was probably harder to manage than the current version.

[RJ87]

I actually am glad he left. Not for Miami, but I just always felt since Bradley's emergence Ray did not like his role. I know the Celts would be better this year with Bradley starting. I was concerned if Ray stayed it would be the same old thing and Doc may continue to start him over Bradley. It is weird, I was really looking forward to the change and once Terry was signed I was really hoping Ray would leave. I am actually relieved..even though I hate that it is to the heat. Anyone else feel like that?

No, I definitely agree. I've felt for some time Ray wouldn't come back (although I thought he'd go to the Clippers for a starting role), and that would be the only way to see what we have in Avery Bradley.