Ray Allen addresses Celtics, Paul Pierce situation in Instagram post

Ray Allen posted a lengthy message on social media Tuesday addressing his time with the Celtics and relationship with Paul Pierce.

On Sunday, Pierce had his No. 34 jersey retired by the Celtics. Among those at TD Garden for the festivities were former teammates Rajon Rondo, Kevin Garnett, and Antoine Walker. Doc Rivers was also there. Ray Allen was not, and that became a topic of discussion.

Allen spent part of his Sunday golfing with George Lopez across the country from Boston in Los Angeles. On Monday, Pierce did not appear to be disappointed with Allen’s absence.

On Tuesday, Allen posted a photo of himself and Pierce to his Instagram account. He also included a lengthy caption addressing his time with the Celtics and feelings toward Pierce.

What we did in 2008 was special! Not only by Boston standards but by professional sports standards. The truth is, without any one of us on that team we would’ve never been able to do the unthinkable. Going from last place in one year to winning a championship is unfathomable. But, we did it! WE did it- Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo, Tony Allen, P.J. Brown, Sam Cassell, Glen Davis, Eddie House, Kendrick Perkins, Scott Pollard, James Posey, Leon Powe, Gabe Pruitt, Brian Scalabrine, Doc, Danny, everyone at the Celtics Organization, our wives, children, families, the Fans in The City of Boston and yes, me. Over the last few years I have been berated, lambasted and had my name smeared. You may not want to hear this, but I will always be a Celtic. (Fact). I will always cherish the bonds that I shared with all of my teammates and the people in the city of Boston. (Truth). We all gave everything we had. We all won and we all raised the 2008 NBA Championship banner together. (Ubuntu) Paul Pierce is the first guy that welcomed Kevin and me with open arms into his atmosphere from day one and we never looked back. Paul and I have spoken about our time together as teammates- going to battle night after night knowing we could count on one another and we have also talked about my decision to leave during free agency- a choice I made for my family. Despite what you may have heard or read or what is rumored- there is nothing but love. Paul and I are more interested in building bridges than putting up walls. To Paul, number 34, Congratulations on having your number raised up to the rafters. I salute you for your commitment to the city of Boston and to us the 2008 NBA Champions #thetruth

A post shared by Ray Allen (@trayfour) on Feb 13, 2018 at 2:45pm PST

The source of animosity between Allen and his former Celtics teammates stemmed from his decision to leave them to join the Miami Heat. Rondo appears to still hold a grudge.

Garnett extended an olive branch to Allen, leaving it up to Allen to respond. He probably should respond more directly.