In 2008 the Boston Celtics won the NBA championship with the team camaraderie of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen and led by coach Doc Rivers. The bond between them seemed unbreakable but then the business side of the league amongst other things stepped in and drove everyone their separate ways. Apparently there’s still some ill blood amongst them.
Ray Allen was the subject of multiple trade rumors during his final year with the Celtics. It also appeared that the organization was more focused on securing a contract for Garnett rather than himself so facing the great uncertainty with the team he decided to up and leave. He made a good basketball decision for himself as he later won another championship ring but of course going to the rival Miami Heat wouldn’t sit well with anyone.
Fast forward another year later and the Boston Celtics are heading into rebuilding mode. Star point guard Rajon Rondo suffers a torn ACL, Doc Rivers jumps ship and negotiates a deal to become the LA Clippers head coach and Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry are traded to the Brooklyn Nets.
To some it seems hypocritical that Garnett and Pierce would still hold a grudge against Allen when they too have left Boston albeit by trade. Garnett by the way had to waive his no-trade clause in order for the trade to go through so he basically agreed to leave. However you want to look at it, Garnett and Pierce are still not speaking to Allen and it’s left him disappointed.
via Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald:
“They haven’t spoken to me,” Allen said before last night’s game against what remained of his former team. Allen played 24 minutes and had five points with three assists as the Celtics stunned the defending champion Heat, 111-110. …
“For them to be so upset with me is disappointing because of how everything happened,” Allen said. “That banner in 2008 is still going to be there, and we’re still going to be tied to it.
“Look, I have a feeling they were in the same predicament I was in this summer. Even with Doc (Rivers), he had to make a decision that was best for himself. I was in the same situation. I’m happy they were put into the same situation as I was. Anytime you get traded there’s no telling where you could end up. They’re in a situation now where they can contend. Kevin had to make that decision, and that was the predicament I was in.”
