The Celtics were the first culmination of the “Big 3” or “Big 4” in the new era. It was because of them, LeBron took his talents to south beach because he needed help to beat them.
During the Boston big 3 or 4 era happened, they won a championship in 2008, re-ignited the Lakers/Celtics rivalry and started what was a premiere rivalry with the Heat.
It was an intense rivalry and when Ray Allen went to enemy territory, he became the ultimate traitor.
The Celtics are coming up on their 10 year anniversary since winning the title and they’ll celebrate without Allen. Rondo spoke with The Undefeated and here’s what he had to say.
“I don’t know a good analogy to put this in. It just wasn’t the greatest separation. It wasn’t the greatest thing that could’ve happened to us as a team, a bond. We were at war with those guys [Miami]. To go with the enemy, that’s unheard-of in sports. Well, it’s not so unheard of. It’s damn near common now.
The mindset we had. The guys on our team. You wouldn’t do anything like that. It makes you question that series in the Finals … Who were you for? You didn’t bleed green. People think we had a messed-up relationship. It’s not the greatest. But it’s not just me. I called and reached out to a couple of other vets and asked them what they wanted to do with the situation. They told me to stick with what we got [without Allen].”
To be clear, it was a group vote. If they wanted Allen to come celebrate, Rondo would have extended the invitation.
Ray Allen did what was best for him. He and Rondo didn’t get along and he obviously wanted to win more rings just not in Boston. He felt that Miami had a better chance at winning and he single handedly changed the fate of LeBron James with one of the most memorable 3 point shots ever.
Rondo, Garnett and Pierce are old school in their ways. Very us against the world mentality and they hold on that. They felt a true betrayal from their brother but maybe Allen didn’t feel like it was THAT much of a brotherhood.
Ray Allen did leave but he also was a contributing factor in why they won the championship. Maybe he’ll be invited to the 20 year anniversary.
