Why Ray Allen Is More Than Just Another Legend to Leave the Game
After Ray Allen's last appearance with the Miami Heat in the 2013-14 season, it was unknown what was next to come for his career. Would he resign with the Heat for the 2014-15 season? What about the 2015-16 season? Rumors appeared in the media every so often that Allen was coming back to the NBA and signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Golden Sate Warriors. Allen kept NBA fans on edge with his disappearance; I certainly was.
After two years of not playing in the league, Allen officially announced his retirement through The Player's Tribune.
So what makes Allen so special? Many will say it was his deadly 3-point shooting. However, his ability to adapt throughout his 18 years in the NBA and his character are what make him unique. Viewers often forget about his career before the Heat and the Boston Celtics. In the 2005-06 season, Allen averaged 25.1 points per game (ppg) and started all 78 games he played in that year with the Seattle Supersonics. Allen had four seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks in which he participated in all 82 games of the season. In addition, three of those seasons he averaged at least 19 ppg. In order to consistently collect offensive stats as such, one needs to do more than just shoot the 3-ball. People forget about Allen's explosive and athletic capabilities. Allen transitioned from an all around guard in basketball to primarily a spot up shooter to best fulfill his role on new teams .
As for his character, the man was always humble. Can you remember a time Allen was in the media for anything bad? If you read "Letter to My Younger Self," on The Player's Tribune, attached below, you will understand why. Hard work and discipline pay off.
[Letter to My Younger Self | By Ray Allen]Coming from a sports fan, thank you for all the thrills, anxiousness, clutch shots, and game winners. Thank you for the memories.
Coming from someone who grew up with a passion for playing basketball, thank you for proving that not succumbing to the 'social norm' is okay. That letting your actions speak will eventually feel more rewarding than trying to fit in. That it's all about the journey and not the destination. Because the journey is what gives us purpose.
Allen is more than just a legend to leave the game; he's a role model to live by.
Allen is more than just a legend to leave the game; he's a role model to live by.
