Retiring numbers - Ray solved that problem

[FrDrake]

A few times over the last few years there have been some interesting debates on CB forums about whether KG and Ray deserve to have their numbers retired as Celtics.  PP was assumed.

Was their tenure long enough?  Is one championship enough?  KG and Ray are hall of famers but both played significant portions of their careers elsewhere.  Also, could the Cs reasonably retire KG and PP but NOT Ray's?  

Well, ray solved this dilemma for the Cs.  KG will likely retire with 7 or 8 seasons in green and brought a level of intensity and dedication on the court that Cs fans had not seen the likes of since the late 80s.  In contrast, Ray took less money to play with the Cs biggest in-conference rival.  Some called it a business decision some call it cold-blooded.  

Is it safe to assume now that 5 and 34 will rise to the rafters together while Ray hangs out at the clubs in south beach?

[CantBeRight]

Paul's number is being retired for sure. KG has a 60-40 chance. Ray has no chance.

[Jon]

Pierce isn't even a question.  He won a title, played his whole career here, and is the second leading scorer all time, passing Larry Bird last year.  

I think KG will have his number retired.  People can argue the merits of that, but Wyc and Co. are on record saying that they'd like to retire Danny Ainge's number some day.  If they feel that way, I can't imagine they don't do it for KG.  

If they somehow win another title, it's not even a question.  Then he'll have as many rings as Cowens, White, and Maxwell.  

[Donoghus]

I'm at the point now where I'd be extremely disappointed if the Celtics didn't retire KG's number.

I think he's done more than enough to warrant it.

Pierce's place was secured long ago.

[bdm860]

It's just crazy when you think about it.

The Celtics already have:

00    Robert Parish
1    Walter Brown
2    Red Auerbach
3    Dennis Johnson
6    Bill Russell
10    JoJo White
14    Bob Cousy
15    Tom Heinsohn
16    Tom "Satch" Sanders
17    John Havlicek
18    Dave Cowens
19    Don Nelson
21      Bill Sharman
22    Ed Macauley
23    Frank Ramsey
24    Sam Jones
25    K.C. Jones
31    Cedric Maxwell
32    Kevin McHale
33    Larry Bird
35    Reggie Lewis


Then add:

34    Paul Pierce, definitely
5    Kevin Garnett, most likely
44    Danny Ainge, it's been talked about
9    Rajon Rondo, hey if you win 2 championships, even if he ends up getting traded in a few years, doesn't finish his career with the C's, it would probably be done, no different than DJ (but won't happen till the late 2020's probably.

So in a few years, the only normal available numbers for the 15 man roster will be:

0
4
7
8
11
12
13
20
30
40
41
42
43
45
50
51
52
53
54
55

(Of course you still have the awkward numbers  that you rarely see of 26-29, 36-39, 46-49, 56+)

That's basically 20 numbers for 15 guys to choose from.  That's why the new guys seem to always take the number of the guy who just left.  It's just, wow 

[Carhole]

KG is a lock - he will have 8 years if he finishes out deal, 1 more than DJ and his contributions to this team were equal or greater than DJs to the 80s run.

IMO, I think KG views himself as a "celtic" when it is all said in done. Just from hearing him speak. I think that perception from the player goes a long way in tipping the scales in his favor when thrown on top of his obvious greatness and at least 1 ring and 2 finals appearances

[GreenFaith1819]

Well, Ray's number retirement has some strings attached to it:

IF he wins at LEAST ONE ring in MIA, then IMO more than likely Pat Riley will make sure that his number is retired there.

If he doesn't win a ring in MIA (which is a bit more likely with the way BOS's roster is now constructed), then I can see him retiring in MIA - and BOS ownership retiring Ray Allen's number in BOS.

Regardless of the feelings here, Ray Allen was a BIG part of the BIG THREE. He (along with KG and Paul), brought Banner 17 to BOS - after a 22 year drought.

Along the way, he passed Reggie Miller for All-Time Three Pointers made.

He is a Class Act, regardless of some of the thoughts tossed around here on the blog.

Beyond Basketball, he's been a fixture iN BOS's community, along with his family. His mom, Flo Allen, ran in a couple of Marathons - generating good publicity.

Ray Allen donated TWICE, I believe to computer labs for Youth in BOS - if I'm not mistaken, both purchases were $30.000 EACH.

His work with diabetes in the community should be noted, too.

If Ray Allen doesn't get his jerset retired in BOS, then it will be because MIA won another Banner. At that point, I'm sure that Pat Riley will be getting that place in the rafters ready for his number 34.

But BOS will stop that, hopefully. Once we do, then because of what Ray Allen meant not only for BOS basketball, BUT ALSO for the community - there is no doubt that BOS Ownership will place Ray Allen's jersey among the rafters of other Celtic greats.

Whether MIA or BOS - his place in SOMEONE's rafters is guaranteed.

[Jeff]

who was the last to wear 40?  Calbert Chaney? LOL

[GreenFaith1819]

KG is a lock - he will have 8 years if he finishes out deal, 1 more than DJ and his contributions to this team were equal or greater than DJs to the 80s run.

IMO, I think KG views himself as a "celtic" when it is all said in done. Just from hearing him speak. I think that perception from the player goes a long way in tipping the scales in his favor when thrown on top of his obvious greatness and at least 1 ring and 2 finals appearances

I agree.

The interesting thing with Ray Allen, though, is that he viewed himself as a Celtic even when he was young:



No matter the choice he made (which I still don't like), I bet that he will ALWAYS view himself as a Celtic.

[LEHGOCELTICS]

I think Rondo will be retired as well, given that he stays here beyond the length of his current contract.

[StartOrien]

Well, Ray's number retirement has some strings attached to it:

IF he wins at LEAST ONE ring in MIA, then IMO more than likely Pat Riley will make sure that his number is retired there.

Dan Marino never won a ring, and that didn't stop Riley from retiring his number

[SHAQATTACK]

Well, Ray's number retirement has some strings attached to it:

IF he wins at LEAST ONE ring in MIA, then IMO more than likely Pat Riley will make sure that his number is retired there.

If he doesn't win a ring in MIA (which is a bit more likely with the way BOS's roster is now constructed), then I can see him retiring in MIA - and BOS ownership retiring Ray Allen's number in BOS.

Regardless of the feelings here, Ray Allen was a BIG part of the BIG THREE. He (along with KG and Paul), brought Banner 17 to BOS - after a 22 year drought.

Along the way, he passed Reggie Miller for All-Time Three Pointers made.

He is a Class Act, regardless of some of the thoughts tossed around here on the blog.

Beyond Basketball, he's been a fixture iN BOS's community, along with his family. His mom, Flo Allen, ran in a couple of Marathons - generating good publicity.

Ray Allen donated TWICE, I believe to computer labs for Youth in BOS - if I'm not mistaken, both purchases were $30.000 EACH.

His work with diabetes in the community should be noted, too.

If Ray Allen doesn't get his jerset retired in BOS, then it will be because MIA won another Banner. At that point, I'm sure that Pat Riley will be getting that place in the rafters ready for his number 34.

But BOS will stop that, hopefully. Once we do, then because of what Ray Allen meant not only for BOS basketball, BUT ALSO for the community - there is no doubt that BOS Ownership will place Ray Allen's jersey among the rafters of other Celtic greats.

Whether MIA or BOS - his place in SOMEONE's rafters is guaranteed.

All this proves one thing ...what an absolute fool Allen was for leaving a legacy and a LARGER pay check to play with a bunch of horses rear -ends.

[BadNewsBarnes]

Okay, let's end the debate about retiring No. 20.  I say we should do it. 

After all the guy won 5 championships with us.  More than Ray will end up with by the time he's done.  So let's do it.  Let's retire #20 in honor the late Larry Siegfried!

[GreenFaith1819]

Well, Ray's number retirement has some strings attached to it:

IF he wins at LEAST ONE ring in MIA, then IMO more than likely Pat Riley will make sure that his number is retired there.

If he doesn't win a ring in MIA (which is a bit more likely with the way BOS's roster is now constructed), then I can see him retiring in MIA - and BOS ownership retiring Ray Allen's number in BOS.

Regardless of the feelings here, Ray Allen was a BIG part of the BIG THREE. He (along with KG and Paul), brought Banner 17 to BOS - after a 22 year drought.

Along the way, he passed Reggie Miller for All-Time Three Pointers made.

He is a Class Act, regardless of some of the thoughts tossed around here on the blog.

Beyond Basketball, he's been a fixture iN BOS's community, along with his family. His mom, Flo Allen, ran in a couple of Marathons - generating good publicity.

Ray Allen donated TWICE, I believe to computer labs for Youth in BOS - if I'm not mistaken, both purchases were $30.000 EACH.

His work with diabetes in the community should be noted, too.

If Ray Allen doesn't get his jerset retired in BOS, then it will be because MIA won another Banner. At that point, I'm sure that Pat Riley will be getting that place in the rafters ready for his number 34.

But BOS will stop that, hopefully. Once we do, then because of what Ray Allen meant not only for BOS basketball, BUT ALSO for the community - there is no doubt that BOS Ownership will place Ray Allen's jersey among the rafters of other Celtic greats.

Whether MIA or BOS - his place in SOMEONE's rafters is guaranteed.

All this proves one thing ...what an absolute fool Allen was for leaving a legacy and a LARGER pay check to play with a bunch of horses rear -ends.

Well, too bad we won't know the truth behind that, right? It's been debated ad infinitum on here as to the reasons WHY he left....

[Roy H.]

I think that's right.  KG will have his number retired, Ray won't.

I'd always put my criteria for each at 5 years + 2 rings.  However, KG will have the longevity here that even with one ring, he should make it into the rafters.