Ray Allen
The sharpshooter who changed his number to 20 and led Boston to its 17th title.
Ray Allen arrived in Boston on June 28, 2007, traded from the Seattle SuperSonics to join Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. This union formed the famous 'Big Three,' instantly revitalizing the franchise. After changing his jersey number to 20 because Pierce already wore 34, Allen helped lead the Celtics to an NBA championship in 2008. His tenure with Boston lasted five seasons before he departed for Miami. While his time in green was relatively short compared to other legends, it included a title and one of the most memorable plays in league history.
- Role
- Shooting Guard
- Affiliation
- Boston Celtics (2007–2012)
- Major Honors
- NBA Champion (2008), NBA All-Star
- Key Achievement
- Championship in 2008, Five seasons with Boston
- Jersey Number
- 20
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
On June 28, 2007, the Seattle SuperSonics traded Allen and the 35th overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft, Glen Davis, to the Celtics. In return, Boston sent Delonte West, Wally Szczerbiak, and the fifth overall pick, Jeff Green, to Seattle. Shortly after acquiring Allen, the team added Kevin Garnett from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Upon joining the roster, Allen switched his jersey number to 20, as Paul Pierce held the iconic number 34. The trio of Allen, Garnett, and Pierce dominated the league, culminating in an NBA championship in 2008. This period marked a return to glory for Boston, utilizing their combined scoring and defensive prowess to secure the title.
In Their Own Story
The defining moment of Allen's Celtics tenure occurred during his time with the Miami Heat in 2013, not Boston, yet it remains the most iconic play associated with his career. This shot is regarded as one of the most memorable plays in NBA history. Although this specific moment happened while he was a member of the Heat, it capped off a legacy that began with his championship run in Boston in 2008. The source notes that after five seasons with the Celtics, Allen played two seasons with Miami, reaching the Finals both times and winning the title in 2013.
Reader's Guide
Ray Allen's time in Boston (2007–2012) was characterized by immediate success and high-level execution. He joined a team that had missed the playoffs for years and quickly turned them into champions. The 'Big Three' of Allen, Pierce, and Garnett won the NBA title in 2008. Allen's role was vital as a floor spacer and scorer. During his five seasons with Boston, he maintained his status as one of the league's premier shooters. His departure after the 2011–2012 season led to a complex narrative involving a contract dispute and a subsequent move to Miami, where he won another title. The source confirms he played for four different teams in total before retiring on November 1, 2016.
Did You Know?
- Ray Allen changed his jersey number to 20 upon joining the Celtics because Paul Pierce already wore number 34.
- He was traded from Seattle to Boston on June 28, 2007, in exchange for Delonte West, Wally Szczerbiak, and Jeff Green.
- Allen won an NBA championship with Boston in 2008 after forming the 'Big Three' with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.
- His iconic three-pointer to force overtime occurred in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals while he was playing for the Miami Heat, not the Celtics.
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