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Boston Celtics: How To Make Sense Of Ray Allen’s (Late) Career

By Christopher Foti

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Now that he’s made it official, one Boston Celtics fan tries to make sense of everything that Ray Allen made to the franchise and the fan base

November 1st, 2016 will go down as a confusing day emotionally for Boston Celtics fans. It is the day that Ray Allen has announced he is officially retiring from the NBA and hanging up the laces.

Ray Allen is the guy that helped the Celtics win their first NBA Championship in 22 years. He’s also the guy that helped the villain King James win his second, and dethrone Boston in the process.

So…how does a Celtics fan cope with this news?

The summer of 2007 was a huge year for Boston fans. Non-stop rumors were circulating of a Kevin Garnett trade. One of the greatest big men in NBA history will be wearing Celtic green. But he refused to accept any trades (he had a no-trade clause).

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The Boston Celtics had just come off one of their worst seasons in franchise history, so KG didn’t think there was enough talent to win an NBA championship. The one thing missing on his Hall of Fame resume and the clock was ticking.

That all changed with Ray. In a trade with the Seattle Supersonics (RIP), the Celtics acquired one of the greatest shooters of all-time to pair up with Paul Pierce. The spark worked, Garnett agreed to be traded to Boston to form the new Big 3 – or the original one, depending on who you ask.

If the Celtics never acquired Ray, they would’ve never acquired Garnett, and they (probably) would still be chasing Banner 17.

Putting so much talent together on one team, something had to give, and it was Ray who made the most sacrifices of the newly formed Big 3. Pierce was still the focal point of the offense and KG was the defensive anchor, rim-protector and spiritual leader of the team. Ray was there to hit open shots and pick up the slack when Pierce was having an off night or on the bench.

But he never complained. He worked hard, did his job, and came through when we needed him.

How many clutch shots did Ray hit to seal the game? Who could forget his epic showdown with fellow UConn alum Ben Gordon in 2009? Or the last, gutsy, gritty run for a title in 2012?

But that 2012 run is where it all ended with Ray in Boston. The Boston Celtics had the Heat on the ropes and were about to prevent yet another championship for rival LeBron James. Then, Game 6 happened. LeBron could not be stopped. And the aged KG, Pierce, and Ray didn’t have enough in the tank to finish the job in Game 7, causing LeBron to go on and win the first NBA Finals of his career.

Instead of bringing the gang back together for one more go, Ray joined the enemy. He signed with the champion Heat and joined one of the most hated rivals in Boston sports. How could you Ray? What happened to Ubuntu? The quest for Banner 18. Instead, he joined King James and the stacked Miami Heat to try and steal one more ring before calling it quits.

To make matters worse, Ray did what he had done his whole career. Hit clutch shots. Only this time, it was one of the most clutch shots in NBA history. The Spurs are up 3-2 and were merely seconds away from yet another championship in the Pop/Duncan era.

Then the Heat get the rebound. Then Ray runs to the corner. Then he shoots a fadeaway, contested jumper. Splash.

Heat tied the game and gained the adrenaline and momentum to win the game in overtime and then take Game 7 at home to win their second title in two years. All thanks to Ray. He helped the man that Celtics fans have loved to hate and torment since the KG era began win yet another championship.

How can we forgive him?

Well on this day, that one of the greatest and purest shooters of all time has decided to hang it up, all this Celtics fan has to say is thank you Ray.

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You helped spark one of the greatest eras of Boston Celtics basketball with your arrival and the only championship (so far) this fan has had the privilege to witness. So, happy retirement and thank you for the memories.

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