[ESPN] Doc Rivers Takes Blame for Ray Allen Leaving

Also because Doc and Ray know that Boston isn't going to win any rings soon. Shuttlesworth will certainly be the triggerman in Miami just like he wants.

 

I thought it was classless that he did that...so it makes sense I guess
he and Rondo were butting heads
I knew in the ECF he was going to MIA...and his look towards the end of game 7
I was like what you laughin at..Rondo, bc he tried..sorry Ray you are past your
prime, but like doc said its easier to go there than "have it taken from you"

 

Yes, they made the Heat better. But, Celtics added some great pieces and I don't think they'll have much of a drop off from last season.

 

Doc is correct. I believe pride is why Ray Allen left. He just couldn't handle losing his starting job in Boston to Avery Bradley.

 

While Allen is still an amazing player, shooter...father time will always come knocking...I wouldnt be suprised if Allen goes down with an injury this year...not that I wish that...but crazy stuff happens when you mess with good fortune..

Another reason why Doc is an excellent coach..he really cares about the team above any player...and why his guys play even harder for him down the stretch...and proof is in the pudding(Boston was one game from shocking Miami)

 

But he's coming off the bench with the Heat too? What would it have changed, just that he decided to come off the bench on his own terms?

 

Ray Who?

 

I was a big Ray Allen fan during his Settle days but now he is just too old to produce on consistent basis. He can give you 10 to 15 minutes a game off the bench. That is all.

 

This is Doc's point but he explains why it's easier for Ray Allen to accept a bench role in Miami. Going from one of the "Big 3" to a bench role on the same team was too tough for him to handle.

The answer to your question is probably yes.

 

14 PPG with 45% 3p shooting and 91% FT not consistent enough? That was just last season.

 

Damn...this actually gave me some feels.

Rivers willingly becoming the scapegoat for Boston's loss, whether he deserves it or not. I can respect that.

 

Definitely. Rivers may mean what he says, but I think he's also trying to take on the potential criticism towards Rondo. No wonder (most) players are so loyal to him.

 

mighty black of Doc to take the blame, i echo the respect others above expressed.

Ray paid his dues and earned the right to play anydamnwhere he chooses. too many so called fans just plain hate player choice.

 

What is your definition of a "so called fan"?

 

I found the article to be really interesting and really admire Doc for taking for some of the flak.

But it really begs the question. Why did he relegate Ray to the bench?

From stats, there hasn't been a terribly big dropoff in his game. Yes he is getting older, and yes, he did have that tough shooting stretch during that one playoff series, but Ray's a HOF'er. Is it just that Avery Bradley just meshes better with Rondo on/off the court? (i.e. better defense, no personality issues, etc.)

Until we get those answers, I find it hard to blame Ray. He's one of the better role models in the game, and he's one of the best pure shooters in the game (still).