FOX Sports Florida interviewed Celtics legends and Hall of Famers Heinsohn, Cousy, John Havlicek and Dave Cowens for their take on Allen leaving Boston last summer to sign as a free agent with Miami. All were flattering of Allen’s tenure with the Celtics and none criticized his right to leave as a free agent, but Heinsohn offered an analysis that might not overjoy Heat fans.
Havlicek, whose No. 17 hangs from the rafters in Boston, didn’t want to expound on the possibility of Allen’s jersey being retired, saying he’s not sure if Allen played long enough for Boston. Cowens, whose No. 18 was retired, said a case could be made to raise Allen’s jersey, but doesn’t believe it ever will happen.
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Ray Allen as a man and a ballplayer,’’ said Cowens. “His decision to play in Miami and not for the Celtics is his business. People change jobs for many reasons, not the least of which is the exhilaration of working in a new environment that is full of anticipation in meeting the various challenges that keep you fresh and motivated.’’
Havlicek doesn't believe it’s fair to criticize Allen for leaving Boston. But it still hurt.
“It’s a disappointment we don’t have an asset like him anymore,’’ Havlicek said. “But he’s still a good guy. I would have loved to have seen him finish his career (in Boston), but he had his reasons. I would hope (Celtics fans) would continue to respect him.’’
Allen often has been vague in providing specifics as to why he left the Celtics. But reasons include Boston’s attempts to trade him over the years, his troubled relationship with Boston point guard Rajon Rondo, having gone to the bench at the end of last season in favor of Avery Bradley and the Celtics bringing in guard Jason Terry during free agency shortly before Allen picked the Heat.
The Celtics always had a deal on the table for Allen. But he talks as if he wasn’t wanted and that it wasn’t a sincere contract offer.
“I was making a decision on the circumstances I was in, the circumstances the team was in at time,’’ Allen said. “It was a decision based on where the team was and kind of how they viewed me moving forward. You figure in five years, you do a certain amount for the team, and, if they’re going to move in your direction, then it’s easier to make that decision. But if not, you’ve got to make a decision for yourself.’’
“The interesting thing is that a lot of people have left the Celtics, a lot of free agents have gone other places. I just think when it came to me ... half of that is not just on the player, but it’s on the organization.’’
There will be plenty of talk about Allen and the Celtics as Tuesday’s opener approaches. It should really ramp up when Allen returns to Boston for the first time Jan. 27.
“There’ll be some momentary negative reaction,’’ Cousy said of that night. “The Celtics never want to see a player of that caliber leave your team and especially go to a rival in your (conference).’’
Nevertheless, Cousy and Heinsohn believe Allen did enough when he was with Boston that he someday should return under tamer circumstances for a jersey retirement.
Chris Tomasson can be reached at christomasson@hotmail.com or on Twitter @christomasson
