Ray Allen Joins The Enemy

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Saturday, July 07, 2012

Scott Cordischi, GoLocalWorcester Sports Editor

The Boston Celtics have a new "Big Three." It's Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo. That's because late Friday night it was learned that free agent guard Ray Allen decided to leave Boston to sign with the Miami Heat.

Heat owner Micky Arison broke the news of Allen's departure at 9:30pm Friday by tweeting from England, "Its 2:30am in London and I was just woken up with great news. Welcome to the family #20."

While Allen has yet to officially reveal his reasons for leaving Boston for Miami, you can safely say that the decision wasn't about money. Allen has reportedly agreed to a 3-year deal worth about $9.7 million. He turned down a 2-year deal worth $12 million to stay with the Celtics.

It would appear that Allen's reasons for leaving would have to come from the following list:

1.) he feels that he has a better chance of winning a championship in Miami

2.) more playing time

3.) a preference to live in south Florida

4.) his fractured relationship with Rajon Rondo

Until Allen decides to speak, no one will really know why he decided to leave Boston. However, yahoosports.com's Adrian Wojnarowski suggests that his relationship with Rondo may have been a big factor in his decision.

Fortunately for the Celtics, GM Danny Ainge made a preemptive move by agreeing to terms with Dallas Maverick's sharp-shooter Jason Terry on a contract. That makes Allen's departure from Boston much less painful.

What will be interesting to watch is how Allen is treated by Celtics' fans next fall. No one can argue what a class act Allen is on and off the floor or the fact that he was a big contributor to the franchise for the past 5 seasons which included a championship in 2008. Still, he is teaming up with the enemy much like Johnny Damon did when he left the Red Sox as a free agent last decade to play for the rival New York Yankees. Reaction on the "GoLocal Sports Show" on 103.7 FM Saturday morning was mixed. Some Celtics' fans chose to wish the classy Allen well in Miami while others took the "all bets are off" approach saying he is fair game to be villified for joining the hated Heat.

The 2012-2013 NBA schedule has yet to be released, but when it is, Celtics' fans will circle Miami's first trip to Boston on their calendars.