Ray press conference introduced in Miami going on now

[mctyson]

But I also think he understands that he went to the Mortal Enemy.

I mean, c'mon Ray, we hand them in the 4th quarter in a Game 7!!

He knows that his record as a professional athlete is basically unblemished...except for this.  That wouldn't make anyone excited.

[kozlodoev]

TP.....I believe that he is feeling real guilty...He should....just a hunch, totally unfounded, but at the time of the trade talks and benching, I bet his pride was so hurt that he said things to his wife, Flo and friends/confidantes in general that he couldn't back off of about leaving....

I'm tired of hearing about that "benching". He wasn't benched -- remember, he went straight back into the starting lineup after the injury. He was outplayed by a young guy who's a better fit with the team's system.

[Interceptor]

Not watching, but I am seeing the Twitter feeds from media.

Got a chuckle when I heard that Riley hopes to retire Ray's number in the rafters in Miami. That's like getting elected prom king when you're home-schooled.

Gotta fill the rafters somehow. Bet you ten cents our #34 is better than theirs.

[Kane3387]

Reading all the tweets is emotional. It sucks. I definitely agree that he is on borrowed time and that he is no where close to who he was. Miami will hide that much more then Boston will. I have to see how Ray recovers from ankle surgery at 37 to see how I really feel about this.

He could easily not be able to finish the season and not be a factor at all in the playoffs. Then the Heat would have missed out on Camby (who they really needed more) for nothing. Maimi knows how close we are to beating them and this move was as much about hurting us as it was helping them. Camby would have been a better signing.

Ray on the other hand could recover and be the sniper that he was earlier in the season. Just got to wait and see.

But at six million per year he could have been a horrendous signing if he can't recover from the injury. Hopefully that money will allow us to make an impactful S+T.

Good luck Ray. I will root for you individually except for when you play Boston. And the only way I will root for your new team is when you play the Lakers.

[kp4000]

Not watching, but I am seeing the Twitter feeds from media.

Got a chuckle when I heard that Riley hopes to retire Ray's number in the rafters in Miami. That's like getting elected prom king when you're home-schooled.

gary washburn ‏@GwashNBAGlobe

Personal observation, Ray Allen doesn't appear all that excited, a lot of reflection on Boston. ‪#celtics‬ ‪#heat

That's quote from G.Washburn says it all.

[indeedproceed]

Ray kept on saying 'we' when referencing his time with the C's. Related his departure to Posey's, and how he didn't want it to be like that where 'we' didn't get a chance to say or do anything, so he texted Kevin.

Of course he's a little bittersweet about today, its the death of a dream, and a moving on time with his life and career.

Doubt there is a while lot of 'guilt' though.

[Django]

I hate to say it...

But people are sounding like Cavs fans who were overanalyzing LeBron during Miami's Press conference saying "He doesnt look as happy. You can tell he's got some guilt on his face" etc etc.


Maybe, maybe not. Who cares? He's in Miami.

[blink]

Well if I was KG / PP I would probably be pretty upset.  I mean what else can you be when one of your best teammates leaves for your biggest rival in the conf?  Who knows if Ray was ever really close friends with KG/PP but if he was, I am sure that won't be the same.

That sure did seem like one heckuva uncomfortable presser for Ray.

He made sure to take his time and give very measured and bland responses to all the Celtics-related questions.  Pretty sure he knows he's not going to be well liked around here.  He seems to want to have his cake and eat it too.  Tallking about keeping his friendship with Doc and Danny, as well as KG and Paul.  He should be so lucky if they forgive him, and really, why should they?

I'm left with the impression this was absolutely a "hurt-feelings/hurt-pride" signing.  I have no doubt in time he will absolutely regret his decision.  He will likely never publicly admit it though.

In the end, it may very well be he just couldn't bring himself to be a bit player on a team where he was once a lead-dog.  Especially when the guys still here were either once his peers or understudies.  Easier to be a bit player on a team he has no history with.

Good riddance!

[kp4000]

Riley hopes to retire Ray's number in the rafters in Miami.

P.Riley sells better than a sale's man. Hang, Ray's jersey in Miami when he'll be playing their for 2yrs and coming off the bench. You and I know that's bull, Pat. lol

[RJ87]

Still talking about this guy? He's not a Celtic anymore, he won't be part of banner 18, he won't have his # retired here. So dueces, Ray. Have fun in South Beach, but you will get the heck booed out of you when you play in Boston.

So, any updates on Courtney Lee? And when is JET's presser? I'd rather obsess over the guys who actually want to be Celtics.

[kp4000]

I hate to say it...

But people are sounding like Cavs fans who were overanalyzing LeBron during Miami's Press conference saying "He doesnt look as happy. You can tell he's got some guilt on his face" etc etc.


Maybe, maybe not. Who cares? He's in Miami.

You're not saying anything, because it's true. Ray, doesn't look guilty, but doesn't look ecstatic either. I can careless about the Cavs or their fans, because there's no comparison. But I think people like yourself and others shouldn't tell fans how to express their personal feelings.

How you may feeling about the situation, others probably don't. Personally, I think he has every right to go any team he chooses. But I still think, Ray threw away something special he help build with KG, AND PP. I think his decision was based on personal feelings and bitterness, but I can't tell a person how to feel.    

[CelticG1]

He definitely looked at little uneasy.

He wont know if he made the right call until 3 years. He took a big risk for lots of reasons and im sure he's nervous about it.

Miami could always trade or shop him too. Im sure they have a lot less loyalty and with such a small contract he would be easy to move if they need/want to

[KGs Knee]

I sent a text out to KG when I was leaning towards Miami... KG said "well Danny will step up to the plate" I said: "We'll see."

Think about this for a minute.

Even though it was in the context of describing his conversation with KG, and wanting to let his teammates know where his mind was, the statement in and of itself implicitly implies his leaving for Miami was Danny's fault.  Basically, had Danny done more, Ray would still be here.

Nice Ray, try to blame it on Danny (albeit, in a very sly manner).

[kozlodoev]

Ray, doesn't look guilty, but doesn't look ecstatic either.

He never looks extatic, from what I can tell.

I think he made a poor decision, all things considered -- but then again, the "all things" I'm aware of are not exhaustive.

Can't say I'm particularly upset though -- I think we'll be forced to retool a little bit, possibly taking on some younger talent. That can't be bad.

So yeah, no more Ray daggers, but also no more running him off screens for 15 seconds. Here's to hoping that Terry still has something left in the tank.

[kozlodoev]

I sent a text out to KG when I was leaning towards Miami... KG said "well Danny will step up to the plate" I said: "We'll see."

Think about this for a minute.

Even though it was in the context of describing his conversation with KG, and wanting to let his teammates know where his mind was, the statement in and of itself implicitly implies his leaving for Miami was Danny's fault.  Basically, had Danny done more, Ray would still be here.

Nice Ray, try to blame it on Danny (albeit, in a very sly manner).

Makes no sense whatsoever. If you're going to take a discount to play in Miami, please don't blame it on the GM who made you an offer that was better financially in every respect.