dis R E S P E C T - why Ray left the C's

[cltc5]

I just told my girlfriend that Ray left the Celtics.  She went "awww... Why?"... Then I told her the team he went to was the Heat... And she looked legitimately shocked.  "What!?... Really?!". 

I explained:  "Well... They tried to trade him a few months ago"... Her immediate reaction: "Ooh.  That makes sense.  Pride is Pride"

Pretty simple, really.  I didn't even need to get into the drama with Rondo, the fact they benched him for an unproven 2nd year undersized guard, the fact this was the second time they tried to trade his expiring contract, the fact they gave 15 million to another shooting guard when our clear need was size... None of that was necessary.  As an outsider to
Hardcore sports fandom, she immediately got it.   Pride is pride. 

If you want to cut to the chase..

People had no problem with possibly trading Ray. People had no problem with Bradley starting in front of him. People had no problem dumping on Ray when he would have bad games while playing with bad ankles. People had no problem if the Celtics didnt resign him (once Terry, an upgrade I might add was signed).

People are only upset because he went to the Heat. What was the ONLY other team looking at Ray Allen? Memphis! Guess who started to inquire late about Ray Allen..........THE LAKERS! (according to some reports/reporters on twitter)

You're 37, you still think you have some years left.....do you really want to go to Memphis and play out your last years? So what...you could get stomped by the Thunder, Lakers, Spurs or Clippers in the 2nd round?

Celtics fans would have had no problem if that was his fate. Ray may be everything negative people say about him. That doesnt mean he didnt have reason to leave Boston. He saw FIRST HAND...how Bradley was now starting over him. He saw the Celtics SIGNED Jason Terry who automatically takes mins from him. He KNEW the Celtics were going to give a player who has proven far less in his career and in a Celtics jersey, Jeff Green, between 8-10 million dollars. Basically 3 million more than he would get.

So he said screw it. Im 37, I can still play. I want to try and win a ring. And I wouldnt mind playing golf doing it.


I have no problem with people wanting Ray gone. But save the LOYALTY stuff. The Celtics tried to get rid of him. Yes, they did with Pierce and KG. But in Ray's view they were always viewed higher than him anyway. Even though he's been a good soldier about everything. Not even mentioning his spats with Rondo.

He's a 37 year old spot up SG now. WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL PEOPLE!?!?

It hurts he signs with a rival. But move on. We upgraded. Ray WAS classy as a Celtic. He felt it was best to move on and find peace. Wish him well and hope our team beats his team. Thats all

Very well said. I'm coming around to this notion as well after the initial reaction.  If I was in the same spot, money want an issue, is till think I could go, and I was feeling the way Ray allegedly does, I'd probably take my bags and walk too.

And I think people did already know with Lebron shootin his big mouth off on twitter all the time.

Maybe we're all feeling jaded like Ray has been feeling for some time?

[tenn_smoothie]

the blood from this latest fallout is, once again, on Danny's hands. he shops his players around constantly, which is bad enough - then he talks about it on the radio.

Danny has not shown loyalty to his players and this is what happens when you treat your guys like property - especially guys who definitely have loyalty to the team.

for some reason, Danny has this man-crush on Jeff Green and treats him as if he were Bill Russell when the guy hasn't done anything to help the Celts win a title - zero, zilch, nothing - and DA gives him $10 mill per ??

Danny wouldn't know team chemistry if a bucket of it was dumped on his head.

[slamdunk]

The most important thing here is: Is Shannon still going to host Pre-Game Meal on CSN?

[Django]

I just told my girlfriend that Ray left the Celtics.  She went "awww... Why?"... Then I told her the team he went to was the Heat... And she looked legitimately shocked.  "What!?... Really?!". 

I explained:  "Well... They tried to trade him a few months ago"... Her immediate reaction: "Ooh.  That makes sense.  Pride is Pride"

Pretty simple, really.  I didn't even need to get into the drama with Rondo, the fact they benched him for an unproven 2nd year undersized guard, the fact this was the second time they tried to trade his expiring contract, the fact they gave 15 million to another shooting guard when our clear need was size... None of that was necessary.  As an outsider to
Hardcore sports fandom, she immediately got it.   Pride is pride. 

If you want to cut to the chase..

People had no problem with possibly trading Ray. People had no problem with Bradley starting in front of him. People had no problem dumping on Ray when he would have bad games while playing with bad ankles. People had no problem if the Celtics didnt resign him (once Terry, an upgrade I might add was signed).

People are only upset because he went to the Heat. What was the ONLY other team looking at Ray Allen? Memphis! Guess who started to inquire late about Ray Allen..........THE LAKERS! (according to some reports/reporters on twitter)

You're 37, you still think you have some years left.....do you really want to go to Memphis and play out your last years? So what...you could get stomped by the Thunder, Lakers, Spurs or Clippers in the 2nd round?

Celtics fans would have had no problem if that was his fate. Ray may be everything negative people say about him. That doesnt mean he didnt have reason to leave Boston. He saw FIRST HAND...how Bradley was now starting over him. He saw the Celtics SIGNED Jason Terry who automatically takes mins from him. He KNEW the Celtics were going to give a player who has proven far less in his career and in a Celtics jersey, Jeff Green, between 8-10 million dollars. Basically 3 million more than he would get.

So he said screw it. Im 37, I can still play. I want to try and win a ring. And I wouldnt mind playing golf doing it.


I have no problem with people wanting Ray gone. But save the LOYALTY stuff. The Celtics tried to get rid of him. Yes, they did with Pierce and KG. But in Ray's view they were always viewed higher than him anyway. Even though he's been a good soldier about everything. Not even mentioning his spats with Rondo.

He's a 37 year old spot up SG now. WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL PEOPLE!?!?

It hurts he signs with a rival. But move on. We upgraded. Ray WAS classy as a Celtic. He felt it was best to move on and find peace. Wish him well and hope our team beats his team. Thats all

Not true, Clippers wanted him... he could have started and gotten paid more. He took too long (and probably gave the Clips the impression he didn't want to be there) so they moved on! Clippers could have contended with training camp, preseason, and a full season with CP3 and Ray integrated with everyone else they have! Sure, Mia is easily more of a contender, but take into account money and starting position with a chance to contend, then Clips look like the best fit to me... also, it's LA, just as sunny and plenty of golf courses as Mia. He went to Mia out of spite, simple as that!

So Ray cant take time to evaluate everything? He had a meeting set up for Friday and they SIGNED Jamal Crawford and CANCELLED his meeting?

They also signed Chauncey Billups the same day. Another guard to take mins away. The Clippers made up their mind before they could even meet Ray. Thats a fact.

Also..Its still Donald Sterling and the Clippers. Not the most quality organization. Again. WE AS CELTICS FANS...have no problem with him going to an organization thats known for being dysfunctional. Chris Paul isnt a guarantee to stay past this year anyway.

 People just hate that its the Heat. Im starting to think people would have accepted him going to the Lakers instead, smh.

Also..You have to factor in that Ray wanted to stay on the east coast as well. He's an east coast guy. His son still is having issues right? LA would have been even further than Miami.

[ScottHow]

From what I've read in various sources it appears that Ray felt disrespected by the C's.

He felt that he had to sacrifice the most of his game compared to KG and Pierce. Number of shots, being #3 of the Big 3, etc..

He felt that he did not get the same lucrative extension offers (twice) as KG, PP, Rondo, Bass, Terry etc...

He was benched for Bradley.
And received no respect from Rondo who is buddies with KG.

Add that all up and Ray wasnt feeling the love. So he left.

I believe he made up his mind at this past year's trading dealine that he was leaving. The Celtics knew it too. That is why you didnt hear, KG, PP & Doc clamoring publicly to have Ray back.

That is why Terry was scooped up immediately.

Sure everyone put forth good PR - Ray is just looking what else is out there. The C's offered double the money.  But both sides knew he wasnt coming back. 

The C's classy front office, due to Ray's connections to the area, the community and hospital played along to keep his good name going.

Oh well. I think we all wouldn't be so upset if it was any team other than the Heat (or Lakers).

#20 just wanted Aretha.  Maybe when we win against the Heat that song should be played on the Jumbotron.

Comment as you see fit.

I think it was pretty clear that Danny knew Ray wasn't coming back. It looked like the Terry move proved that, as that moved very fast.

I will be interested to see if he can handle the criticism from Lebron as I've seen Chalmers and Lebron get into it on the court. I have no idea how Ray could be bothered by Rondo correcting his mistakes, but be okay with Lebrons complaining on the court.

[Django]

the blood from this latest fallout is, once again, on Danny's hands. he shops his players around constantly, which is bad enough - then he talks about it on the radio.

Danny has not shown loyalty to his players and this is what happens when you treat your guys like property - especially guys who definitely have loyalty to the team.

for some reason, Danny has this man-crush on Jeff Green and treats him as if he were Bill Russell when the guy hasn't done anything to help the Celts win a title - zero, zilch, nothing - and DA gives him $10 mill per ??

Danny wouldn't know team chemistry if a bucket of it was dumped on his head.

Yep. No offense to Jeff Green. But what has he DONE to deserve 3 million more than Ray Allen? If KG gets 12 mill (which he deserves), then I can see Ray wanting 9 million. KG played hurt one year. Here was Ray playing hurt this past year. Both were classy/hard working guys. Jeff Green, a guy who played 23 games, deserves more than Ray? Based off what? Ray helps the team win a championship and get to another NBA finals. Ray deserves the benefit of the doubt more than Jeff Green. If you think Ray is not a 9 million dollar player....I agree with you. But when you're going to pay Jeff that kind of money...I can understand why he might feel slighted.

[Django]

From what I've read in various sources it appears that Ray felt disrespected by the C's.

He felt that he had to sacrifice the most of his game compared to KG and Pierce. Number of shots, being #3 of the Big 3, etc..

He felt that he did not get the same lucrative extension offers (twice) as KG, PP, Rondo, Bass, Terry etc...

He was benched for Bradley.
And received no respect from Rondo who is buddies with KG.

Add that all up and Ray wasnt feeling the love. So he left.

I believe he made up his mind at this past year's trading dealine that he was leaving. The Celtics knew it too. That is why you didnt hear, KG, PP & Doc clamoring publicly to have Ray back.

That is why Terry was scooped up immediately.

Sure everyone put forth good PR - Ray is just looking what else is out there. The C's offered double the money.  But both sides knew he wasnt coming back.  

The C's classy front office, due to Ray's connections to the area, the community and hospital played along to keep his good name going.

Oh well. I think we all wouldn't be so upset if it was any team other than the Heat (or Lakers).

#20 just wanted Aretha.  Maybe when we win against the Heat that song should be played on the Jumbotron.

Comment as you see fit.

I think it was pretty clear that Danny knew Ray wasn't coming back. It looked like the Terry move proved that, as that moved very fast.

I will be interested to see if he can handle the criticism from Lebron as I've seen Chalmers and Lebron get into it on the court. I have no idea how Ray could be bothered by Rondo correcting his mistakes, but be okay with Lebrons complaining on the court.

Lol. Did you just compare Ray Allen to Chalmers???

Ray Allen makes smart plays, why would LeBron yell at him? The argument can be made Allen's decision was bad....because Chalmers is a terrible passing PG. Thats why LeBron yells at him. He ruins fast break opportunities with his terrible passes. He's not a good ball handler and makes bonehead mistakes. This is why Ray may regret Miami some....and realize how good he had it with Rondo. The difference here is....Since Chalmers is nowhere as good as Rondo...Ray, like LeBron, can be an authority figure and complain at Chalmers and he's not going to do anything about it.

Again...LeBron yelling at Ray Allen? I'll believe it when I see it.

[ScottHow]

the blood from this latest fallout is, once again, on Danny's hands. he shops his players around constantly, which is bad enough - then he talks about it on the radio.

Danny has not shown loyalty to his players and this is what happens when you treat your guys like property - especially guys who definitely have loyalty to the team.

for some reason, Danny has this man-crush on Jeff Green and treats him as if he were Bill Russell when the guy hasn't done anything to help the Celts win a title - zero, zilch, nothing - and DA gives him $10 mill per ??

Danny wouldn't know team chemistry if a bucket of it was dumped on his head.

Yep. No offense to Jeff Green. But what has he DONE to deserve 3 million more than Ray Allen? If KG gets 12 mill (which he deserves), then I can see Ray wanting 9 million. KG played hurt one year. Here was Ray playing hurt this past year. Both were classy/hard working guys. Jeff Green, a guy who played 23 games, deserves more than Ray? Based off what? Ray helps the team win a championship and get to another NBA finals. Ray deserves the benefit of the doubt more than Jeff Green. If you think Ray is not a 9 million dollar player....I agree with you. But when you're going to pay Jeff that kind of money...I can understand why he might feel slighted.

Contracts work best when you pay them for their future production, not past. That's why Ray wasn't offered much.

[cman88]

Lol...you are paid on what you do in the league NOW not on your past reputation.

If you or ray dont understand the importance of kg to this team or that at this point he is a better player than ray its delusional.

Considering he eventually took 3mill...ainge dis no disrespect offering a 37yo shooting guard coming off ankle surgery 6million

Green at this point is worth obviously more than a 37yo 3 point specialist

[ScottHow]

From what I've read in various sources it appears that Ray felt disrespected by the C's.

He felt that he had to sacrifice the most of his game compared to KG and Pierce. Number of shots, being #3 of the Big 3, etc..

He felt that he did not get the same lucrative extension offers (twice) as KG, PP, Rondo, Bass, Terry etc...

He was benched for Bradley.
And received no respect from Rondo who is buddies with KG.

Add that all up and Ray wasnt feeling the love. So he left.

I believe he made up his mind at this past year's trading dealine that he was leaving. The Celtics knew it too. That is why you didnt hear, KG, PP & Doc clamoring publicly to have Ray back.

That is why Terry was scooped up immediately.

Sure everyone put forth good PR - Ray is just looking what else is out there. The C's offered double the money.  But both sides knew he wasnt coming back. 

The C's classy front office, due to Ray's connections to the area, the community and hospital played along to keep his good name going.

Oh well. I think we all wouldn't be so upset if it was any team other than the Heat (or Lakers).

#20 just wanted Aretha.  Maybe when we win against the Heat that song should be played on the Jumbotron.

Comment as you see fit.

I think it was pretty clear that Danny knew Ray wasn't coming back. It looked like the Terry move proved that, as that moved very fast.

I will be interested to see if he can handle the criticism from Lebron as I've seen Chalmers and Lebron get into it on the court. I have no idea how Ray could be bothered by Rondo correcting his mistakes, but be okay with Lebrons complaining on the court.

Lol. Did you just compare Chalmers to Ray Allen???

Ray Allen makes smart plays, why would LeBron yell at him? The argument can be made Allen's decision was bad....because Chalmers is a terrible passing PG. Thats why LeBron yells at him. He ruins fast break opportunities with his terrible passes. He's not a good ball handler and makes bonehead mistakes. This is why Ray may regret Miami some....and realize how good he had it with Rondo. The difference here is....Since Chalmers is nowhere as good as Rondo...Ray, like LeBron, can be an authority figure and complain at Chalmers and he's not going to do anything about it.

Again...LeBron yelling at Ray Allen? I'll believe it when I see it.

It came out in a report that Ray hated someone younger(Rondo) correcting his mistakes on the court. You can't picture Lebrons crying face pointed at Ray Allen because he messed up one of the plays? How is that going to be any better? Atleast he was in the battles with Rondo over the years. How can anyone who played against Lebron all this time, walk onto the court and respect him?

[chambers]

the blood from this latest fallout is, once again, on Danny's hands. he shops his players around constantly, which is bad enough - then he talks about it on the radio.

Danny has not shown loyalty to his players and this is what happens when you treat your guys like property - especially guys who definitely have loyalty to the team.

for some reason, Danny has this man-crush on Jeff Green and treats him as if he were Bill Russell when the guy hasn't done anything to help the Celts win a title - zero, zilch, nothing - and DA gives him $10 mill per ??

Danny wouldn't know team chemistry if a bucket of it was dumped on his head.

Yep. No offense to Jeff Green. But what has he DONE to deserve 3 million more than Ray Allen? If KG gets 12 mill (which he deserves), then I can see Ray wanting 9 million. KG played hurt one year. Here was Ray playing hurt this past year. Both were classy/hard working guys. Jeff Green, a guy who played 23 games, deserves more than Ray? Based off what? Ray helps the team win a championship and get to another NBA finals. Ray deserves the benefit of the doubt more than Jeff Green. If you think Ray is not a 9 million dollar player....I agree with you. But when you're going to pay Jeff that kind of money...I can understand why he might feel slighted.

Erm, Ray Allen ain't getting 9 million from anyone. What has Jeff Green done? He's 25, 6 foot 9 and can run like a gazelle, shoot and play almost any position on the floor. In other words, Jeff has a bright future in front of him.
Ray is on the verge of retirement- you don't pay a regressing veteran 9 million to come off the bench and hit 2 or 3 three pointers per game and turn the ball over 2 or 3 times.
His game has deteriorated more than anyone on the Celtics in the past 5 years and although his shooting is still fantastic, you cannot justify paying him 9 million. 6 million is being extremely generous.
It's about ego and trust and Ray had both of his confused with him being traded to Memphis(and the rest). Ray's given us everything, let the man do what he wants. He wants more shine time and Miami can give it to him and he can win a championship whilst taking much less toll on his body physically by sitting in the corner and doing what he does best- burying deep three's.

[Jon]

I feel like he had some reasons to be upset.

That said, I don't think he'll have any of them addressed in Miami, where's he's going to play with 3 divas who exceed Rondo. 

If he thinks he wasn't fully utilized here, wait until he's playing 20-25 minutes a game standing on the weakside corner hoping one of Miami's Big Three passes him the ball. 

[RLewis35]

Many times in workplaces - whether office or nba - a young college kid comes into an older workplace and everyone imparts that knowledge on the kid.  As the kid grows and learns, and often times, becomes better than his mentors, his mentors don't properly recognize this, still think of him as the naive kid, and don't give him requisite responsibility and compensation, so the kid leaves.  

The opposite has happened here.  Rondo was that kid but it is clear that Danny and doc realized the kid was the best player and gave him more power and more compensation to the point where it is now his team (on offense).  It seems like ray still sees rondo as that kid, and ray has mentioned in the past how rondo used to follow him around and do his routine w him and doesn't know why he stopped.  Sounds like ray is the sole old guy who never came to terms w rondos emergence and that is the heart of a lot of the problems right there.  

Ray won't have the same problems w lebron because ray never knew lebron as a kid and ray can be ok w taking a backseat to lebron.  He can't stomach taking a backseat to that kid who he tried to mold and who eventually spurned his training ways for his own.

While hurtful and surprising to us that he is going to our rival, ray was always the most mercenary of the bunch.  Only guy who had played on two teams before the celtics, any sense of loyalty in the nba was lost to him at a much earlier age than the other big four, and if he developed a new sense of loyalty w boston, it wasn't a strong one and was probably destroyed when he was told he was traded, and buried when they didn't go after him as hard as kg.  doesn't matter that kg is clearly better...they are both hall of famers and part of the big three (and in the big three, everyone sacrificed for the greater good..together), so why weren't they both consulted at the same time to come back?  Thats probably how ray was thinking, and if you are thinking like that, the superficial love from south beach probably seemed pretty good.  

Ray will regret his decision at some point, and my guess is that point will be training camp w a coach that is not doc and w players that were prima donnas before their title and now will be even worse.  The cracks bout rays celtcs will prob sting.  And ray will realize he screwed up...but it will happen too late.

And so it goes.  

[RLewis35]

The sad thing for Ray is, when he comes back to Boston fired up to show us up...I have a feeling he is going to fall flat on his face.

[Boston Garden Leprechaun]

well if true so much for ray being a "TEAM" player eh? Cry me a river ray allen. 


bwahahahahahhahahahahahah