Doc Rivers blames himself for the departure of Ray Allen to Miami Heat – NBA Update
Ever since Ray Allen left the Boston Celtics to join the reigning NBA Champions Miami Heat this off season, his bad relationship with Rajon Rondo has been highlighted as the main reason behind the move.
However Celtics head coach Doc Rivers has come out to take all the blame on himself in a recent interview. The wily coach backed Rondo, and said that the point guard cannot be blamed when the real reason for Allen’s departure was
his decision making.
“People can use all the Rondo stuff -- and it was there, no doubt about that -- but it was me more than Rondo," Rivers said while talking to Yahoo Sports, "I'm the guy who gave Rondo the ball. I'm the guy who decided that Rondo
needed to be more of the leader of the team. That doesn't mean guys liked that -- and Ray did not love that -- because Rondo now had the ball all the time.”
"Think about everything (Allen) said when he left, 'I want to be more of a part of the offense.' Everything was back at Rondo. And I look at that, and say, 'That's not Rondo's fault.' That's what I wanted Rondo to do, and that's
what Rondo should've done."
Rivers also believes that one of the main reasons for Allen’s decision was the recent loss of his starting position to Avery Bradley.
Being given a secondary role was not acceptable for him, especially with a team he had achieved so much in the past. So when the offer came from Miami, Allen didn’t look back.
The decisions from Rivers were justified as Allen had been troubled by injuries throughout last season which caused him to miss quite a few games. With already a short - handed roster at his disposal, Rivers had to ensure continuity
in his lineup and that he achieved by putting Bradley at the starting position. By putting Allen on the bench, Rivers also added depth to the second unit.
However the decision from Rivers to give Rondo the leading role and Bradley the starting position did not stick well with Allen, who is the best three point shooter of all time. Perhaps he is better off in Miami, as at least his
role is defined.
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