This is why Ray Allen joining the Heat could impact whether Boston retires his jersey
The Miami Heat really set the bar high for honoring a retired superstar.
From a night reliving Dwyane Wade’s best moments to an exclusive premiere of his new documentary, the L3GACY Celebration was a moment Heat fans will not soon forget.
Although his importance to Boston doesn’t quite equate to Wade’s in Miami, Ray Allen played an integral role in bringing a championship to a city that had not won in more than two decades. But according to Celtics general manager Danny Ainge, some people within the organization still aren’t over Allen’s decision to join the Heat, saying that it “will have some impact” as to whether his No. 20 ever hangs from the rafters of TD Garden.
I “no longer hold any grudge against Allen,” Ainge said on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Toucher and Richard.” “... [But] that’s not the exact same feeling of everybody in the organization.”
The Celtics became instant powerhouses when Allen and Kevin Garnett joined Paul Pierce to form a “Big 3” in the 2007 offseason. Five seasons, three All-Star appearances and one championship later, Allen headed to Miami in 2012 where he helped the Heat capture its third title. Many fans and ex-teammates still see his departure as a betrayal.
“These are not my decisions,” Ainge added. “So if someone asks my opinion on this, I’ll weigh in at the appropriate time. But this is [Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck’s] team, and he gets to make those decisions.”
While at least one former teammate has forgiven Allen, Garnett and Rajon Rondo continue to hold some resentment toward the sharpshooter. That, however, could change soon if former Celtics coach Doc Rivers gets his wish.
This story was originally published February 24, 2020 at 12:30 PM.
