Wednesday, July 11th, 2012 at 4:10 pm  |  58 responses

Ray Allen Said He Will ‘Always Be a Celtic’


There were plenty of hurt feelings (and blame to go around) when Ray Allen left Boston for South Beach via free agency this summer, but during his introductory press conference as a member of the Miami Heat today, Allen said that he’ll always be a Celtic. From the Boston Herald: “He answered questions about moving forward in his life and career away from Boston, and how difficult it was to leave the Celtics. He talked about his bond with his former teammates and his the Boston community and fan base. ‘Forever, I’ll always be a Celtic,’ he said. Allen skipped around questions about any conflicts with Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo, but certainly didn’t dismiss the notion. For the record, Allen will wear No. 34 in Miami. […] On reported friction between him and Rajon Rondo: ‘I can’t say that it factored in my decision. As teammates, we were brothers. I’m around them more than I’m around my own family. There are differences. We all have differences. Paul eats corn flakes, I might not like corn flakes. Then we have to buy into what coach believes is best for us. We have to put our differences behind.’ On whether he’s spoken to Rondo: ‘I haven’t spoken with Rondo at all. I know when I came down here, I texted Paul (Pierce) and Kevin (Garnett). Those are the guys I talked quite a bit with over the years. Those are the guys that when we came into Boston together a lot was put on our shoulders. I look back at all our time spent in Boston. We’ve had a lot of disappointments, but we shared a lot of thrills and a lot off the court. It is sad to me knowing I’m not with those guys anymore. But I’m looking forward to what we can do in this organization.’ […] On getting criticism by fans in Boston about leaving: ‘I’ve given so much not only on the floor but off the floor. There’s a sense of sadness and hurt that the people feel and we feel that too as a family. … We know we’re still part of that community. … It doesn’t bother me. I know who I am. I know what my everyday goal and tasks are.’ […] On Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge’s reaction to the news: ‘They were disappointed. They really wanted me to come back. We won a lot together in the five years. They were disappointed. And like anything, it was sad for me and my family too. They will still be friends of mine forever.’”

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  • Lila

    Such a fake. He was asking 9 millions/years to Ainge and sign for 3 with Miami. Celtics said yes and with a no trade clause. Such a liar Ray. Ray give up 6 millions year for be the sixth man for the hated rival, for be Lebron cheerleader. A Celtics player never will be a cheerleader, never will sign with a contender in the same conference for less, a contender that represents the opposite of Celtics tradition and with a volatile fan base. Go with your mom and take the sun and save taxes. We don’t retired shirt to mercenaries. With you, Rondo, Avery and Terry, Pierce and Green at small forward, and KG, Bass and other players inside we have an opportunity against Miami. But you choose the easy way.

  • thor

    Haha love it^

  • thor

    Ill Smith@

  • BostonBaller

    If anyone has played serious ball with a team then played with another team you might understand what Ray meant about “always be a Celtic”. As far as The C’s not having a chance at the chip this year…come on man. I’m a C’s fan from Waaaay back but this hypocrite talk is hypocritical in and of its self. How are ppl going to say it’s ok that he left but who he went to makes him a traitor? Or the big 3 had to be split up b/c of age but why Miami? etc etc. We can’t have it all and if a great player left their team and signed with us we would laugh and say oh well get over it..wait a minute, we did say that, when we got Ray & KG. The rest of the L, including (everyone hates on us) Heat fans blasted us. It all comes down to..it’s just a sport and at the end of the day they get paid millions to PLAY…

  • pposse

    its funny how lebron and wade and them created a culture where ‘teaming up’ is the thing to do and the world hates them for it. What the heck is the big deal, do any of you guys play ball just for fun? I mean, when i play at the gym I am always trying to get on the best team, and hell the best player in the gym is trying to team up with the next best player so they stay on the courts. I swear people are mad cause they can’t accept the truth.

  • http://slamonline.com Allenp

    I always like what Boston Baller has to say even when I disagree with him.
    That means you’re doing something right.

  • vtrobot

    Ray always has been one of my favorites in the L and he will continue to be, even though he’s not on the C’s anymore. Everyone who’s offended that this “traitor” left needs to get a better grip on reality. It’s the dude’s life. It’s your entertainment. For those who say that Ray tarnished his legacy, will you still say that if he gets a couple more rings before he goes into the Hall and has many more memorable Playoffs/Finals 3′s while doing it? It’s not like Jesus is a life-long Celtic anyway. Not like if PP decided to go to the Lakers as a FA. Ray’s jersey is definitely getting retired. Peace.

  • Treshiq

    Ray is not a celtic, that notion is gone. And it’s sad that it is. but had he been forced to leave or even traded to the Heat, Him being a “forever Celtic” might be true. I’m a denver fan tried and True, and when the Broncos got Peyton Manning, I took the day off to celebrate…I was too excited for Words. however if Peyton were to ever say “I’ll always be a Colt”.. I ain’t mad at that. cause it’s true…Ray, five years then leaving on your own to the new hated Rivals. Naw , playa. Not saying it’s right just saying it’s real.

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