Ray Allen has decided to sign with the Miami Heat(s). I wish Ray nothing but the best.
Ray Allen agreeing to come to Boston made it possible for Kevin Garnett to want to come to Boston. The creation of the new Big Three allowed the Celtics to become relevant again and to win another World Championship. For all that I say thank you to Ray Allen.
During his time in Boston Ray Allen always handled himself with nothing but class and dignity. When Ray was injured or when he was the center of trade rumors - he never complained or made himself a distraction. Now he wants to play in Miami - how can any Celtics fan in good conscience begrudge him that?
Meanwhile, I can't help but think that the Boston Celtics are quietly assembling a very deep team. You already have Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Brandon Bass, Jason Terry, Jeff Green, Avery Bradley, Fab Melo, and Jared Sullinger. That's a nine-deep rotation. Jason Terry easily replaces Ray Allen's minutes and contributions and if he stays healthy then will most likely be an upgrade. Jeff Green will be a huge wild-card for next season. Green has the potential to be the best sixth-man in the NBA. If that's the case then the Celtics are serious contenders.
Doc Rivers generally doesn't play rookies but all he needs from Melo and Sullinger are a few minutes per game to learn the NBA and to give KG and Pierce a breather. Danny Ainge will probably bring back Greg Stiemsma as the back-up center but I'd love to see him sign Marcus Camby. That would be a huge upgrade and potentially a situation that would be attractive to Camby. The Celtics could use the mid-level exemption on him ($3 million), the Celtics would only need him to log 20 minutes per game and Camby would be coming back home (he's from Connecticut and went to UMass). That would just leave back-up PG which will probably be Keyon Dooling and if that's the case fine but I'd like an upgrade here as well.
The bottom line is the Celtics look poised for a very deep run next year. And that was going to be the case with or without Ray Allen.
Thank you Ray Allen for your time here in Boston. You were the consummate professional. May the road rise to meet you and may the wind always be at your back and may your ankles not be issue.