Ray Allen Said He Will ‘Always Be a Celtic’

There were plenty of hurt feelings (and blame to go around) when Ray Allen left Boston for South Beach via free agency this summer, but during his introductory press conference as a member of the Miami Heat today, Allen said that he’ll always be a Celtic. From the Boston Herald: “He answered questions about moving forward in his life and career away from Boston, and how difficult it was to leave the Celtics. He talked about his bond with his former teammates and his the Boston community and fan base. ‘Forever, I’ll always be a Celtic,’ he said. Allen skipped around questions about any conflicts with Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo, but certainly didn’t dismiss the notion. For the record, Allen will wear No. 34 in Miami. […] On reported friction between him and Rajon Rondo: ‘I can’t say that it factored in my decision. As teammates, we were brothers. I’m around them more than I’m around my own family. There are differences. We all have differences. Paul eats corn flakes, I might not like corn flakes. Then we have to buy into what coach believes is best for us. We have to put our differences behind.’ On whether he’s spoken to Rondo: ‘I haven’t spoken with Rondo at all. I know when I came down here, I texted Paul (Pierce) and Kevin (Garnett). Those are the guys I talked quite a bit with over the years. Those are the guys that when we came into Boston together a lot was put on our shoulders. I look back at all our time spent in Boston. We’ve had a lot of disappointments, but we shared a lot of thrills and a lot off the court. It is sad to me knowing I’m not with those guys anymore. But I’m looking forward to what we can do in this organization.’ […] On getting criticism by fans in Boston about leaving: ‘I’ve given so much not only on the floor but off the floor. There’s a sense of sadness and hurt that the people feel and we feel that too as a family. … We know we’re still part of that community. … It doesn’t bother me. I know who I am. I know what my everyday goal and tasks are.’ […] On Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge’s reaction to the news: ‘They were disappointed. They really wanted me to come back. We won a lot together in the five years. They were disappointed. And like anything, it was sad for me and my family too. They will still be friends of mine forever.’”