Ever since the Boston Celtics retired Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett's jerseys, the public has been wondering and anticipating whether the franchise will provide a similar distinction to Ray Allen . Jesus Shuttlesworth was a core member of the Celtics' ‘Big 3’ era, which brought home the 17th banner to Beantown 16 years ago.
Allen had a chance to address this matter upon appearing at the C's title-clinching Game 5 win of the 2024 NBA Finals. Ray made it known that he would leave the decision of elevating his No. 20 jersey in their historic rafters in the hands of the Boston organization.
“Anytime you get a number or your number retired, it's a great respect, specifically in this building. You know that it's all based on what the organization feels and how they move. Like I said, there's so many stories and numbers that were retired in those rafters. I'm just grateful that I played here, and so anything after that is a blessing,” Allen stated .
Weighing Ray's odds for his jersey to be retired by Boston
Besides being an essential part of their 2008 championship team, Allen was honored with three All-Star selections during his five-year run in Boston. In the team's all-time leaderboard, he is No. 1 in free-throw rate (.914%) and is ranked at No. 6 in three-pointers made (798) and three-point percentage (.409%). Ray-Ray's most unforgettable moment as a Celtic was when he broke Reggie Miller's all-time three-point record in 2011.
Noting the lofty standard that the Celtics are following based on its prestigious history, it's difficult to envision if Allen’s achievements while wearing the Green and White jersey will be enough for him to make it in Boston's pantheon of legends. Although Ray will always be appreciated for his time in Beantown and for becoming a huge part of their success, his case is pretty underwhelming compared to the other 24 legends that had their respective numbers immortalized by the franchise.
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Ray still gets his support
Despite his relatively inadequate case to have his jersey retired by the Celtics, Allen's running mates in Boston have still actively campaigned for his number to be raised in the TD Garden. Interestingly, the strong support came from two of the players he infamously shared bad blood with.
Garnett and Allen fought bitterly for years after the latter left the C's to join the Miami Heat in 2012. But in 2022, as KG’s No. 5 was retired by the franchise, he vocally endorsed Ray's number to be acknowledged by Boston.
Besides the Big Ticket, Ray also developed a sour relationship with Rajon Rondo. Yet despite this, the point guard still respects Allen's on-court legacy. Given all these significant things that must be considered, we can only wait and see if Boston will soon honor the sharpshooter's jersey.
Related: "I felt for the first time that I had arrived" — Ray Allen said playing for the Boston Celtics was the pinnacle of his career
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