There has been no shortage of Ray Allen stories leading up to Tuesday’s season opener between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat. Allen left the Celtics in free agency for the rival Miami Heat, causing a major controversy.
Celtics coach Doc Rivers says Allen didn’t return his and GM Danny Ainge’s phone calls, indicating there were some hard feelings. Kevin Garnett says he lost Allen’s phone number. Stories about the feud between Allen and Rajon Rondo have increased.
Despite all this, Allen indicates the buzz about personal beefs leading up to the game is overblown.
“You guys think I have some sort of animosity toward them,” he said on Monday, via the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “I don’t.”
Allen also wouldn’t tell the media exactly why he left Boston after spending five successful seasons there, which included two trips to the Finals and one championship.
“I’d rather not discuss it. I don’t think there was a number-one factor.”
There have been many theories about why he left. Among the reasons: he was unhappy the team tried trading him numerous times, he didn’t like coming off the bench, and he didn’t get along well with Rajon Rondo. That probably summarizes most of the problems.
Allen is with the Heat now, and the Celtics have done fine to replace him. I bet all sides will be pleased to finally move beyond this matter when their first game of the season finally begins.
Photo credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE
