Why Ray Allen Can Never Be Traded
November 28, 2009 by Nick Gelso
Since joining the Celtics, their is always a point in the season where fans and sports analysts question Allen’s worth and statistical numbers. In 2008, the questions (understandably) were raised during the first two rounds of the NBA playoffs. Allen struggled through some of the worst play of his NBA career during that stretch and the questions were swirling. Ray Allen put all questions to rest as he blazed his way back into normal form during the last two rounds of the playoffs leading to the NBA Finals. During the finals, Ray was arguably the best player in green. Though Paul Pierce, deservingly emerged with the Finals MVP, Allen was a close second. He played through his newly born son’s diabetes diagnosis, often spending post and pre games at the hospital with his wife and new born.
Last season, after the Celtics were shocked by a game one loss (105-103) loss to the Bulls, Ray Allen was questioned for his disappearing act, notching only 4 points in 40 minutes. Again, the speculation over Allen’s effectiveness was in full bloom. How did Ray answer? He averaged 27 points per game in the last six games of the series, including a 51 point night in game game 4. Allen was the key player in this seven game masterpiece, forcing many games into overtime with his clutch shooting. Ray seemed unstoppable.
Already, in this early season, Ray’s play has again come into question as he has struggled from downtown, averaging only 31 percent. From a player that has never averaged under 42 percent from three-point land, this year’s statistic is shocking. Despite his poor outside shooting, Ray is compiling one of his best over-all shooting percentages (47 percent) of his career. He is also beating his career averages in free throw percentage (93 percent), he is tied for his career averages in steals and assists.
So, where is Ray Allen disappointing?
He has been accused of careless ball handling. Though I have seen such careless play’s in the Celtics recent stretch of 
struggles, but who hasn’t struggled in one way or another in this stretch? Maybe it’s our high expectations for the pure shooting veteran that allows us to pinpoint Ray as THE player not playing well.
Ray also has been accused of playing poor perimeter defense. This was an area pointed out frequently by friends in the Celtics recent victory over Toronto. True, Ray was a step slow, but the Raptors tendency to constantly use back screens and double screens make it difficult for any player to stay with their man, let alone a guy at the age of 34.
The constantly surfacing trade talks in regards to Ray makes me crazy.
Ray is one of the best shooters of all-time. It’s a bit cliche but, no matter how much a shooter is struggling, he cannot stop shooting. Ray’s form will return sooner then later. Against the Raptors, Ray was 3 of 4 from downtown and the criticisms again shifted towards his defensive play despite his 3 steals and 2 deflections. Are we just looking for some one to blame?
Ray has combated his poor outside shooting by doing what an intelligent veteran does– adjust his game. Ray Ray is not standing outside the three-point line waiting to launch the next bomb. As a matter of fact, Ray has reduced his three-point attempts. He is now using intelligence to get to the hole. Taking advantage of Rasheed Wallace and Paul Pierce spreading the court, he has made a concerted effort to penetrate and post up. As a result, Ray is getting to the free throw line more and who would we rather to shoot free throws then Ray Allen? He is averaging nearly 2 free throw attempts more per game then he did any other season since joining the Celtics.
Health wise, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce have shown signs of breaking down. Garnett is struggling to return his body to form after his knee surgery. Paul Pierce, though having a career season, has also suffered from nagging knee issues. Ray Allen has remained primarily injury free, playing in 73+ games the last two seasons. In addition to Allen’s durability, he offers a stable influence for the team’s younger players. Can their be a better standard set for the Celtics youth then the eldest member of the starting line-up coming out several hours before game time to practice his jumper?
Even after displaying a tireless work ethic and excellent conditioning, Ray remains, understandably, the likely candidate (from the big three) to trade if Danny were to make a move. I just don’t think I would consider any optional player to be a suitable replacement for Ray Allen.
I am like any other fan. I get frustrated with the struggles of our team’s superstars. I rarely give up on guys that give 100 percent and contribute consistently. Tony Allen is not one of those guys. As a result, I want him gone. Mikki Moore was not one of those guys and similarly, I was not crying when he was not re-signed. Ray Allen is DEFINITELY one of those guys. Ray always gives everything he has.
Recently, when asked how he felt about the Iverson retirement and how it reminds him of his mortality, Shuttlesworth told the media:
“I try not to think about it. You figure I am at 14 now, 19, 20 is a very long, extensive career. So I am definitely inside that amount of time, so I try not to even worry about it. If I keep myself in shape, I never have to worry about getting out. My kids, they are growing up, I would like for them to see what I am doing, and appreciate it and enjoy it. Try to enjoy it as long as I can.’’
Ray Allen, continuing to insinuate that he would like to end his career in Boston, said that he would not be opposed to a reduced role with the team in upcoming seasons. He has continually admitted that he recognizes the fact that his max dollar days are over following this season. He also stated that he would not mind coming off the bench for a championship contending team.
“Whatever I need to do, I’ll do. I think the biggest thing for us as veterans as we get toward the end of our
career is you want to play for a team that’s contending for a championship. Sometimes if you go to a team contending for a championship, you are going to have to come off the bench.’’
So, Ray is willing to take a lesser role with the team moving forward. He is willing to take a paycut to stay with the team. He offers great mentoring for the younger players. He is considered one of the NBA’s classiest players and he can still put up great numbers. Isn’t that enough?
Red Auerbach believed job security was a paramount benefit a team can offer it’s superstars. The list of Celtics players that spent their entire career in green is staggering when compared to other team’s. Red was acknowledged as a coach/GM/ President that encouraged his players to train and mentor their eventual replacements.
Bob Cousy did it for the Jones brothers, Tom Heinsohn did it for Satch Sanders, Frank Ramsey did it for John Havlichek, to a certain extent, Larry Bird did it for the late Reggie Lewis. This is a Celtics tradition that has spanned 50 years and resulted in, a league leading, 17 championships and 31 hall of famer’s.
Ray is continuing this tradition and that’s good enough for me to qualify this guy as a Celtics lifer– I think Red may agree.
(quotes provided by boston.com)
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December 1, 2009 at 9:33 am | Lucy
I love Ray Allen because he is a hard worker. He demands perfection from himself and doesn’t think he’s too good for practice. I really hope the Cs keep him – he’s a good role model for younger guys. I think he’s an inspiration to the older crew, too. You don’t get where you want to be in life by sitting on your behind. You have to work, and he is proof of that.
December 1, 2009 at 10:37 am | Nick Gelso
I agree Lucy. Thanks for reading and commenting! I hope Ray’s number hangs from the rafters one day. He brings much more to the team then just numbers. Pleae forget that!
June 7, 2010 at 3:33 am | visitor travel
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