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

[ScottHow]

It's pretty bad one of the reasons he hated Rondo is because Rondo was correcting him on his mess ups.

[BballTim]

It's pretty bad one of the reasons he hated Rondo is because Rondo was correcting him on his mess ups.

  Or another part being not getting the ball every time he should. Doc used to say that the hardest part of Rondo's job was running the offense with three players telling him to give them the ball all the time, this is just a by-product of that.

[BC1996]

If Ray truly wanted to stick it to the Celtics then screw him.  I don't care how much he grew tired of Rondo and Danny Ainge.

At the end of the day he's also sticking it to Doc Rivers, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and all of his other teammates.  I'd like to think that sticking it to the Celtics wasn't a reason that he left.....

[ScottHow]

It's pretty bad one of the reasons he hated Rondo is because Rondo was correcting him on his mess ups.

  Or another part being not getting the ball every time he should. Doc used to say that the hardest part of Rondo's job was running the offense with three players telling him to give them the ball all the time, this is just a by-product of that.

Maybe a few years ago, but last year it was obvious Ray couldn't get free from any of his screens. It was clear he lost a step(age/injury).

[LarBrd33]

It's pretty bad one of the reasons he hated Rondo is because Rondo was correcting him on his mess ups.

  Or another part being not getting the ball every time he should. Doc used to say that the hardest part of Rondo's job was running the offense with three players telling him to give them the ball all the time, this is just a by-product of that.

Yeah the article definitely makes it sound like both Ray and Rondo were a bit at fault for this.  It's not all that surprising.  I remember back when Ray played here in Seattle he'd have games where he'd match Kobe Bryant blow-for-blow... partially, because he truly believed he was better than Kobe Bryant.  That kind of confidence and ego is part of what makes a guy like him so amazing.  It's part of the reason he is in a class with Jordan and BIrd when it comes to "clutch".   Unfortunately it's probably a hard thing to maintain when a young smug role player on your own team suddenly surpasses you, reaches stardom, and starts barking orders.  I honestly think Pierce has had the same type of issues with Rondo... and for many of the same reasons.  Pierce wouldn't be Pierce if he didn't convince himself he was the best player in the world.  When asked in 2008, he confirmed that he believed he was the best player in the world.  It has to be hard for a guy like that to watch a young player go from role player to star of the team.  With Pierce, I think he's still in denial.  Unless I'm wrong, Pierce has never acknowledged that Rondo is the "man" in Boston... And arguably he's still a better player than Rondo anyways.  With Ray it's different.  Ray unquestionable went from franchise player, to part of the "Big 3"... to role playing shooter... to bench player.  Maybe he hasn't handled it as well as you'd hope... but I really can't blame him for not being wired that way.  He'll continue to believe he's a god out there... and because of that, he'll probably continue to knock down ridiculously cold blooded clutch shots for the Heat.

FYI:  I don't think it was ever much of a problem for Kevin Garnett.  He's a different breed of player.  From the moment he arrived he was all about the "team" and "sacrifice".  He came here and immediately took a back seat... claimed it was Paul's team... refused to get his number called last, etc.  But what KG does on the court isn't always dependent on believing he's the best player alive.  He impacts the game in different ways.  Pierce and Ray need that confidence to play the way they do.  Anyone who has played basketball would understand.  Simply put... if you believe you're going to miss a shot... you'll miss the shot.  That's why Ray convinces himself he's on Kobe's level... why Pierce convinces himself he's on LeBron's level... and why Rondo convinces himself he's on Rose's level.  Even if it isn't true, they need to believe it.

They said it couldn't work.  They said you could have three alpha dogs suddenly sacrifice personal glory for "team".  We won a title that first year so it's hard to say they were right... but none of them anticipated the rise of Rondo.  If Rondo had a different personality, maybe this wouldn't have been an issue.  But at this point... watching Ray flee for Miami to intentionally stick it to Boston... you could almost make a claim that they were right.  Too many egos doesn't work. 

[BballTim]

It's pretty bad one of the reasons he hated Rondo is because Rondo was correcting him on his mess ups.

  Or another part being not getting the ball every time he should. Doc used to say that the hardest part of Rondo's job was running the offense with three players telling him to give them the ball all the time, this is just a by-product of that.

Yeah the article definitely makes it sound like both Ray and Rondo were a bit at fault for this.  It's not all that surprising.  I remember back when Ray played here in Seattle he'd have games where he'd match Kobe Bryant blow-for-blow... partially, because he truly believed he was better than Kobe Bryant.  That kind of confidence and ego is part of what makes a guy like him so amazing.  It's part of the reason he is in a class with Jordan and BIrd when it comes to "clutch".   Unfortunately it's probably a hard thing to maintain when a young smug role player on your own team suddenly surpasses you, reaches stardom, and starts barking orders.  I honestly think Pierce has had the same type of issues with Rondo... and for many of the same reasons.  Pierce wouldn't be Pierce if he didn't convince himself he was the best player in the world.  When asked in 2008, he confirmed that he believed he was the best player in the world.  It has to be hard for a guy like that to watch a young player go from role player to star of the team.  With Pierce, I think he's still in denial.

  Yeah, I think to a certain extent Ray and Paul still thought that they were "the big three" and Rondo was the 2007-2009 "younger brother" version, not someone who was trying his [dang]edest to get as much production from their declining play as possible.

[LarBrd33]

It's pretty bad one of the reasons he hated Rondo is because Rondo was correcting him on his mess ups.

  Or another part being not getting the ball every time he should. Doc used to say that the hardest part of Rondo's job was running the offense with three players telling him to give them the ball all the time, this is just a by-product of that.

Yeah the article definitely makes it sound like both Ray and Rondo were a bit at fault for this.  It's not all that surprising.  I remember back when Ray played here in Seattle he'd have games where he'd match Kobe Bryant blow-for-blow... partially, because he truly believed he was better than Kobe Bryant.  That kind of confidence and ego is part of what makes a guy like him so amazing.  It's part of the reason he is in a class with Jordan and BIrd when it comes to "clutch".   Unfortunately it's probably a hard thing to maintain when a young smug role player on your own team suddenly surpasses you, reaches stardom, and starts barking orders.  I honestly think Pierce has had the same type of issues with Rondo... and for many of the same reasons.  Pierce wouldn't be Pierce if he didn't convince himself he was the best player in the world.  When asked in 2008, he confirmed that he believed he was the best player in the world.  It has to be hard for a guy like that to watch a young player go from role player to star of the team.  With Pierce, I think he's still in denial.

  Yeah, I think to a certain extent Ray and Paul still thought that they were "the big three" and Rondo was the 2007-2009 "younger brother" version, not someone who was trying his [dang]edest to get as much production from their declining play as possible.

I know this gif is sped up, out of context and probably just Pierce "motivating" Rondo...



But again... I'm not convinced that Pierce doesn't still see Rondo like that.  And in a way, I'm glad.  Pierce needs to continue to believe he can beat anyone.  The second he starts to say, "you know what... this is Rondo's team... I'm a role player now", is the second I'll think The Truth has died a little inside. 

With Ray I guess it was a little more of an issue.  That combined with the fact that Boston kept trying to trade him and Doc benched him for an unproven young undersized shooting guard and then Ainge went out and gave our full MLE to a shooting guard (when our clear need is size) made him feel disrespected.  How can you convince yourself you're a golden god on the hardwood when your own GM and Coach have no faith in you?   It's unfortunately, but I understand Ray's perspective.

[Celtics18]

It's pretty bad one of the reasons he hated Rondo is because Rondo was correcting him on his mess ups.

  Or another part being not getting the ball every time he should. Doc used to say that the hardest part of Rondo's job was running the offense with three players telling him to give them the ball all the time, this is just a by-product of that.

Yeah the article definitely makes it sound like both Ray and Rondo were a bit at fault for this.  It's not all that surprising.  I remember back when Ray played here in Seattle he'd have games where he'd match Kobe Bryant blow-for-blow... partially, because he truly believed he was better than Kobe Bryant.  That kind of confidence and ego is part of what makes a guy like him so amazing.  It's part of the reason he is in a class with Jordan and BIrd when it comes to "clutch".   Unfortunately it's probably a hard thing to maintain when a young smug role player on your own team suddenly surpasses you, reaches stardom, and starts barking orders.  I honestly think Pierce has had the same type of issues with Rondo... and for many of the same reasons.  Pierce wouldn't be Pierce if he didn't convince himself he was the best player in the world.  When asked in 2008, he confirmed that he believed he was the best player in the world.  It has to be hard for a guy like that to watch a young player go from role player to star of the team.  With Pierce, I think he's still in denial.  Unless I'm wrong, Pierce has never acknowledged that Rondo is the "man" in Boston... And arguably he's still a better player than Rondo anyways.  With Ray it's different.  Ray unquestionable went from franchise player, to part of the "Big 3"... to role playing shooter... to bench player.  Maybe he hasn't handled it as well as you'd hope... but I really can't blame him for not being wired that way.  He'll continue to believe he's a god out there... and because of that, he'll probably continue to knock down ridiculously cold blooded clutch shots for the Heat.

FYI:  I don't think it was ever much of a problem for Kevin Garnett.  He's a different breed of player.  From the moment he arrived he was all about the "team" and "sacrifice".  He came here and immediately took a back seat... claimed it was Paul's team... refused to get his number called last, etc.  But what KG does on the court isn't always dependent on believing he's the best player alive.  He impacts the game in different ways.  Pierce and Ray need that confidence to play the way they do.  Anyone who has played basketball would understand.  Simply put... if you believe you're going to miss a shot... you'll miss the shot.  That's why Ray convinces himself he's on Kobe's level... why Pierce convinces himself he's on LeBron's level... and why Rondo convinces himself he's on Rose's level.  Even if it isn't true, they need to believe it.

  

So, he threw in the towel and left to go somewhere where there is absolutely no question that he will be anything but a role player instead of staying and gutting it out and fighting to cement his legacy as a Celtic great?  

This doesn't jibe with your "god" theory.  

[cman88]

ya, Ray is going to be a glorified mike Miller playing for Miami...stand in the corner/wings and hope lebron/wade dump it out

I really dont see them designing plays for a 37year old allen...heck they dont even design plays for Chris bosh

[snowball]

I think the "stick it to the Celtics" part is Woj's conjecture. 

The article does a good job showing why Ray felt slighted, whether those reasons were real or exaggerated.  Woj points out why Ray wasn't comfortable in Boston.  I think he takes a logical leap, though, and assumes that he signed in Miami as a middle finger to Boston.  I don't buy that.  I think he chose Miami because they're going to be winning titles and he likes the city.  Where else was he going to sign?  Memphis (i.e., the violent crime capital of the country)?  Minnesota (crappy organization, colder than heck)?  Or Phoenix (would you want to play for Richard Sarver)?

He chose Miami because it was his best option besides Boston, and he didn't want to play for the Celtics any more.

my thoughts exactly.

[BballTim]

It's pretty bad one of the reasons he hated Rondo is because Rondo was correcting him on his mess ups.

  Or another part being not getting the ball every time he should. Doc used to say that the hardest part of Rondo's job was running the offense with three players telling him to give them the ball all the time, this is just a by-product of that.

Yeah the article definitely makes it sound like both Ray and Rondo were a bit at fault for this.  It's not all that surprising.  I remember back when Ray played here in Seattle he'd have games where he'd match Kobe Bryant blow-for-blow... partially, because he truly believed he was better than Kobe Bryant.  That kind of confidence and ego is part of what makes a guy like him so amazing.  It's part of the reason he is in a class with Jordan and BIrd when it comes to "clutch".   Unfortunately it's probably a hard thing to maintain when a young smug role player on your own team suddenly surpasses you, reaches stardom, and starts barking orders.  I honestly think Pierce has had the same type of issues with Rondo... and for many of the same reasons.  Pierce wouldn't be Pierce if he didn't convince himself he was the best player in the world.  When asked in 2008, he confirmed that he believed he was the best player in the world.  It has to be hard for a guy like that to watch a young player go from role player to star of the team.  With Pierce, I think he's still in denial.

  Yeah, I think to a certain extent Ray and Paul still thought that they were "the big three" and Rondo was the 2007-2009 "younger brother" version, not someone who was trying his [dang]edest to get as much production from their declining play as possible.

I know this gif is sped up, out of context and probably just Pierce "motivating" Rondo...



But again... I'm not convinced that Pierce doesn't still see Rondo like that.  And in a way, I'm glad.  Pierce needs to continue to believe he can beat anyone.  The second he starts to say, "you know what... this is Rondo's team... I'm a role player now", is the second I'll think The Truth has died a little inside. 

  I'm sure there are a fair amount of little "die a little on the inside" moments between borderline superstar/finals mvp and retirement. It's probably what KG felt when Doc started pulling him in the middle of the first quarter. But Paul realizing that he should pick his spots and play off of Rondo's lead will make him more effective in the long run, and it's better for the team when they don't clash with each other on offense. I don't letting Rondo run the show will make Paul less able to hit big shots.

[LarBrd33]

It's pretty bad one of the reasons he hated Rondo is because Rondo was correcting him on his mess ups.

  Or another part being not getting the ball every time he should. Doc used to say that the hardest part of Rondo's job was running the offense with three players telling him to give them the ball all the time, this is just a by-product of that.

Yeah the article definitely makes it sound like both Ray and Rondo were a bit at fault for this.  It's not all that surprising.  I remember back when Ray played here in Seattle he'd have games where he'd match Kobe Bryant blow-for-blow... partially, because he truly believed he was better than Kobe Bryant.  That kind of confidence and ego is part of what makes a guy like him so amazing.  It's part of the reason he is in a class with Jordan and BIrd when it comes to "clutch".   Unfortunately it's probably a hard thing to maintain when a young smug role player on your own team suddenly surpasses you, reaches stardom, and starts barking orders.  I honestly think Pierce has had the same type of issues with Rondo... and for many of the same reasons.  Pierce wouldn't be Pierce if he didn't convince himself he was the best player in the world.  When asked in 2008, he confirmed that he believed he was the best player in the world.  It has to be hard for a guy like that to watch a young player go from role player to star of the team.  With Pierce, I think he's still in denial.  Unless I'm wrong, Pierce has never acknowledged that Rondo is the "man" in Boston... And arguably he's still a better player than Rondo anyways.  With Ray it's different.  Ray unquestionable went from franchise player, to part of the "Big 3"... to role playing shooter... to bench player.  Maybe he hasn't handled it as well as you'd hope... but I really can't blame him for not being wired that way.  He'll continue to believe he's a god out there... and because of that, he'll probably continue to knock down ridiculously cold blooded clutch shots for the Heat.

FYI:  I don't think it was ever much of a problem for Kevin Garnett.  He's a different breed of player.  From the moment he arrived he was all about the "team" and "sacrifice".  He came here and immediately took a back seat... claimed it was Paul's team... refused to get his number called last, etc.  But what KG does on the court isn't always dependent on believing he's the best player alive.  He impacts the game in different ways.  Pierce and Ray need that confidence to play the way they do.  Anyone who has played basketball would understand.  Simply put... if you believe you're going to miss a shot... you'll miss the shot.  That's why Ray convinces himself he's on Kobe's level... why Pierce convinces himself he's on LeBron's level... and why Rondo convinces himself he's on Rose's level.  Even if it isn't true, they need to believe it.

 

So, he threw in the towel and left to go somewhere where there is absolutely no question that he will be anything but a role player instead of staying and gutting it out and fighting to cement his legacy as a Celtic great? 

This doesn't jibe with your "god" theory. 

In short, he felt disrespected for a number of reasons... and left for a place where he could feel respected.  HIs role in Miami is more secure and likely bigger than the role he had left in Boston.  Miami needs him.  Boston is convinced they can replace him with the likes of Avery Bradley.  True or untrue it doesn't matter... Ray felt spat on and fled.   

Judging by the many "Good riddance... we were better off without him" posts on this Forum, it's fair to say that his own fan base barely respected him either.  I don't blame him for having no loyalty to us.  We had no loyalty to him.

[RJ87]

Paul Pierce has frequently said the Celtics "go as Rondo goes". So while he may not be willing to completely hand the keys of the team over to Rondo, he at least understands that Rondo is incredibly important to the team's success.

If Ray's deflated ego is the issue, then I understand him going to Miami even less. If he was going somewhere like LAC for a starter's role then I'd buy that. But he's going to Miami to back up Dwyane Wade.

[cman88]

It's pretty bad one of the reasons he hated Rondo is because Rondo was correcting him on his mess ups.

  Or another part being not getting the ball every time he should. Doc used to say that the hardest part of Rondo's job was running the offense with three players telling him to give them the ball all the time, this is just a by-product of that.

Yeah the article definitely makes it sound like both Ray and Rondo were a bit at fault for this.  It's not all that surprising.  I remember back when Ray played here in Seattle he'd have games where he'd match Kobe Bryant blow-for-blow... partially, because he truly believed he was better than Kobe Bryant.  That kind of confidence and ego is part of what makes a guy like him so amazing.  It's part of the reason he is in a class with Jordan and BIrd when it comes to "clutch".   Unfortunately it's probably a hard thing to maintain when a young smug role player on your own team suddenly surpasses you, reaches stardom, and starts barking orders.  I honestly think Pierce has had the same type of issues with Rondo... and for many of the same reasons.  Pierce wouldn't be Pierce if he didn't convince himself he was the best player in the world.  When asked in 2008, he confirmed that he believed he was the best player in the world.  It has to be hard for a guy like that to watch a young player go from role player to star of the team.  With Pierce, I think he's still in denial.  Unless I'm wrong, Pierce has never acknowledged that Rondo is the "man" in Boston... And arguably he's still a better player than Rondo anyways.  With Ray it's different.  Ray unquestionable went from franchise player, to part of the "Big 3"... to role playing shooter... to bench player.  Maybe he hasn't handled it as well as you'd hope... but I really can't blame him for not being wired that way.  He'll continue to believe he's a god out there... and because of that, he'll probably continue to knock down ridiculously cold blooded clutch shots for the Heat.

FYI:  I don't think it was ever much of a problem for Kevin Garnett.  He's a different breed of player.  From the moment he arrived he was all about the "team" and "sacrifice".  He came here and immediately took a back seat... claimed it was Paul's team... refused to get his number called last, etc.  But what KG does on the court isn't always dependent on believing he's the best player alive.  He impacts the game in different ways.  Pierce and Ray need that confidence to play the way they do.  Anyone who has played basketball would understand.  Simply put... if you believe you're going to miss a shot... you'll miss the shot.  That's why Ray convinces himself he's on Kobe's level... why Pierce convinces himself he's on LeBron's level... and why Rondo convinces himself he's on Rose's level.  Even if it isn't true, they need to believe it.

 

So, he threw in the towel and left to go somewhere where there is absolutely no question that he will be anything but a role player instead of staying and gutting it out and fighting to cement his legacy as a Celtic great? 

This doesn't jibe with your "god" theory. 

In short, he felt disrespected for a number of reasons... and left for a place where he could feel respected.  HIs role in Miami is more secure and likely bigger than the role he had left in Boston.  Miami needs him.  Boston is convinced they can replace him with the likes of Avery Bradley.  True or untrue it doesn't matter... Ray felt spat on and fled.   

Judging by the many "Good riddance... we were better off without him" posts on this Forum, it's fair to say that his own fan base barely respected him either.  I don't blame him for having no loyalty to us.  We had no loyalty to him.

uhh you realise fans are saying that because he BOLTED to miami...tagged boston along, requested an obscene contract and then signed for nearly half we were offering with our #1 biggest rival right now

I would bet almost 100% had ray allen left and signed with the clippers you would not see this resentment.

its like Johnny damon going to the Yankees, except he was actually offered more money there. this is just a slap in the face. OF COURSE fans are going to be upset

[BballTim]

It's pretty bad one of the reasons he hated Rondo is because Rondo was correcting him on his mess ups.

  Or another part being not getting the ball every time he should. Doc used to say that the hardest part of Rondo's job was running the offense with three players telling him to give them the ball all the time, this is just a by-product of that.

Yeah the article definitely makes it sound like both Ray and Rondo were a bit at fault for this.  It's not all that surprising.  I remember back when Ray played here in Seattle he'd have games where he'd match Kobe Bryant blow-for-blow... partially, because he truly believed he was better than Kobe Bryant.  That kind of confidence and ego is part of what makes a guy like him so amazing.  It's part of the reason he is in a class with Jordan and BIrd when it comes to "clutch".   Unfortunately it's probably a hard thing to maintain when a young smug role player on your own team suddenly surpasses you, reaches stardom, and starts barking orders.  I honestly think Pierce has had the same type of issues with Rondo... and for many of the same reasons.  Pierce wouldn't be Pierce if he didn't convince himself he was the best player in the world.  When asked in 2008, he confirmed that he believed he was the best player in the world.  It has to be hard for a guy like that to watch a young player go from role player to star of the team.  With Pierce, I think he's still in denial.  Unless I'm wrong, Pierce has never acknowledged that Rondo is the "man" in Boston... And arguably he's still a better player than Rondo anyways.  With Ray it's different.  Ray unquestionable went from franchise player, to part of the "Big 3"... to role playing shooter... to bench player.  Maybe he hasn't handled it as well as you'd hope... but I really can't blame him for not being wired that way.  He'll continue to believe he's a god out there... and because of that, he'll probably continue to knock down ridiculously cold blooded clutch shots for the Heat.

FYI:  I don't think it was ever much of a problem for Kevin Garnett.  He's a different breed of player.  From the moment he arrived he was all about the "team" and "sacrifice".  He came here and immediately took a back seat... claimed it was Paul's team... refused to get his number called last, etc.  But what KG does on the court isn't always dependent on believing he's the best player alive.  He impacts the game in different ways.  Pierce and Ray need that confidence to play the way they do.  Anyone who has played basketball would understand.  Simply put... if you believe you're going to miss a shot... you'll miss the shot.  That's why Ray convinces himself he's on Kobe's level... why Pierce convinces himself he's on LeBron's level... and why Rondo convinces himself he's on Rose's level.  Even if it isn't true, they need to believe it.

 

So, he threw in the towel and left to go somewhere where there is absolutely no question that he will be anything but a role player instead of staying and gutting it out and fighting to cement his legacy as a Celtic great? 

This doesn't jibe with your "god" theory. 

In short, he felt disrespected for a number of reasons... and left for a place where he could feel respected.  HIs role in Miami is more secure and likely bigger than the role he had left in Boston.  Miami needs him.  Boston is convinced they can replace him with the likes of Avery Bradley.  True or untrue it doesn't matter... Ray felt spat on and fled. 

  I don't think he'll have a bigger role on the Heat than he had last year.  

Judging by the many "Good riddance... we were better off without him" posts on this Forum, it's fair to say that his own fan base barely respected him either.  I don't blame him for having no loyalty to us.  We had no loyalty to him.

  So when the Sonics left Seattle, did any "good riddance" comments mean that the person making the comment had never had any loyalty to that team?