Still, not many teams have a better roster than the 2008 Boston Celtics. The core of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo served as one of the most star-studded groups in NBA history. They would spend five seasons together as one of the league’s top powers. But, although they were all close at one time, that is no longer the case.
Rondo and Allen’s relationship soured, leading to the sharpshooter’s exit in 2012. Pierce does not know the exact reason for his former teammates’ differences, but lists what he believes.
Winning usually solves most problems with a team. When celtics In the core’s first year together, nothing can go wrong. Unfortunately, a lot of things will come to light after a while.
In 2010, the Celtics once again reached the NBA Finals, but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Miami Heat would face disappointment over the next two years. Things that were once an issue can no longer be settled with a win.
Every player on that team had to sacrifice something in the pursuit of success. However, arguably the person who made the most sacrifices was ray allenThe 10-time All-Star became one of the league’s best scorers and never surpassed 20 points as a member of the Celtics,
Allen’s sacrifice may not have been as voluntary as many might have thought. Rondo Allen may have played a role in curtailing production, of which Pierce has little knowledge.
“I think it was because Ray felt Rondo wasn’t giving him enough of the ball,” enter Said But No Fouls Given Podcast. “As if he’s favoring other people.”
It seemed pretty clear what the Celtics’ star hierarchy was at that point. Pierce was their original number one option. Garnett was their number two, leaving Allen as their third option. Rondo served as the team’s point man.
However, Allen’s number of shot attempts would decrease each season in Boston. According to Pierce, this may have rubbed Allen the wrong way. Any other young guard would have to bow to Allen’s greatness. But Rondo was no ordinary young guard. That reality must have been difficult for Alan to accept.
“Rondo was a great young man, and when you’re Ray Allen, you’re one of the greats in the game, and you have to pass the torch, and you’re not ready for it, it’s like you’re fighting the torch. It was like I passed the torch to Rondo. I think it was harder for Ray to do that than the rest of us,” Pierce revealed.
That beef would destroy the Celtics superteam, prompting Allen to sign with the rival Heat. Even today, enmity remains in the relationship between Rondo and Allen.
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