Ray Allen and The Tragedy of King Lear
Poor Ray Allen reached a transition point in his life. He could have reached out to those who cared about him and embraced the community, the team and his continuing place in that universe. He could have approached his future with the goodwill and support that he had built up for many years. Instead, he chose to ask his suitors who cared for him more, who courted him more. He asked them to flatter him with falsehoods. So Pat Riley (the Regan and Goneril of this story) spun him a tale. And Doc Rivers showed his faith and care for Ray by being honest and telling it like it is. He refused to pander. And Ray went for the flash. Big mistake.
There's an exhilaration in getting all the emotions off his chest. But after the satisfaction of that dies down, he'll only be left with his rash emotional choice. He's going to regret it. Perhaps later this summer. Certainly in the middle of next year, and every year thereafter. The legacy and the friendship of an entire community gone to some extent, so he can chat with Juwann Howard on a corner of the bench. How long before he's competing with Chalmers and Cole for minutes? How long before LeBron and Wade start rolling their eyes if the team hits a lull next season?
From a strict basketball perspective, the move makes sense. The Heat can afford the luxury of Ray Allen, the Celtics cannot. The Heat can give him a defined role. The Celtics cannot. The Heat can get him wide open 3s out of the half-court, and they can cover up blow-bys on the defensive end. The Celtics do not have wing superstars in their prime, and they need more of an all-around game from their 2 guard.
But from a life and growth perspective, it was a huge mistake. He chose a childish temper tantrum over growth, wisdom and maturity.
The Celtics rotation would have been messy. He wouldn't be a 6. He'd be one of a rotation of 9 or 10. But life isn't about doing the easy thing. It's about striving for the glorious thing. And that's what he missed. The chance to age with grace, to continue to perform, to work with others, to mentor others, and to win with his brothers.
He can't feel good about chasing a championship with strangers. I'd feel completely unclean joining a competitor and leaving a team with which I'd had such successful seasons.
I'm not so sure Miami is warmer than Boston. I think it's going to be a cold winter in Miami for King Lear, I mean Ray Allen.
Topic: Doc on ray leaving (Read 2334 times)