While gushing about Russell, Allen revealed some new information about his tenure with the Celtics.
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Ray Allen #20 of the Boston Celtics.
Following the passing of Bill Russell, many NBA players paid tribute to the Boston Celtics legend, including former Celtic Ray Allen. On his Instagram page, Allen wrote a long detailed post praising Russell for all he did as a basketball player and as a person. Allen also revealed that Russell’s influence was the reason why he wanted to become a Celtic.
“A lot of people talk about changing the world- Bill actually did. Thank you Bill. You were the reason I wanted to be a Celtic. Forever grateful, Legend.”
A post shared by Ray Allen (@trayfour)
Allen was traded to the Celtics in 2007 and played an instrumental role in helping them win their 17th title the following year. In the five years he played for the Celtics, Allen averaged 16.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 358 games total. On top of that, Allen made the all-star game three times and helped the Celtics reach playoffs every year he played for the team.
Allen then left the Celtics for the Miami Heat during the 2012 NBA Offseason, which his Celtics teammates did not respond to kindly too. Particularly Kevin Garnett.
When the Celtics first faced the Heat following Allen’s departure from Boston on opening night in 2012, there was a tense moment between Allen and Garnett just as Allen was about to sub into the game.
