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Ray Allen
#20 – Ray Allen – Boston Celtics
Season: 17.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.6 apg, 49% fg percentage, 39% 3pt percentage, 93% ft percentage
Career: 21.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.8 apg, 44% fg percentage, 39% 3pt percentage, 89% ft percentage
Fine wines and Ray Allen have something in common: they both get better with age. Most players break down, go through long scoring droughts and find themselves out of work before they can even contemplate what happened to that one promising career they pursued. Although Allen has had success at all levels – with Milwaukee, Seattle and now with Boston – he continues to play with intensity in search of his second championship.
Allen is in the twilight of his career. He’ll be 33 this year and that’s about the time when most general managers stop taking chances on you. But, as mentioned before, Allen hasn’t let the game pass him by. He can hold his own on defense and plays the game with great intelligence. Allen is also still a great offensive weapon. He shoots a high percentage from anywhere on the court – making him a valuable asset to any team.
The Good
Allen has a deadly long range game. He shoots high percentages from anywhere on the floor and, as seen with guys like Robert Horry, which can definitely extend your time in the league. Allen isn’t afraid to take big shots – and he certainly isn’t afraid to take the ball to the hoop. Sure, he’s not as quick or explosive as he once was, but Ray Allen still has plenty of game left in the tank.
The Bad
The man will be 33 this year. Although age is not the defining characteristic most general managers look at – it certainly is a factor to take into consideration. He won’t win any defensive player of the year awards either and will probably have to play conservative minutes to stay fresh for fourth quarter heroics.
The Recap
- Great shooter.
- Plays the game with a high degree of intelligence.
- Has a solid mid-range and inside game.
- Not as quick as he once was.
Tips and Tricks
There is no way to stop Ray Allen as long as he’s got help around him. He’ll beat you from inside and will certainly beat you outside. The only thing teams can do – is make sure they close out on his shots and force him to drive. Allen’s still got springs in his legs, so the help defense will have to be willing to stand their ground and alter his shots. You can’t let him beat you from outside – because he will. He’s not a streaky shooter; he’s a consistent one who will quietly put up points on the board.
Final Thoughts
Ray Allen is the definition of a solid player. He accepts his new role as a supporting player on the star-studded Celtics team – but isn’t afraid to show you that he still has plenty left in him. Allen’s got one of the smoothest strokes in the game and will light you up on occasion if you decide to let him beat you. Sure, he can’t carry a team on most nights – as most 33 year old players can’t – but he’s a great piece on a team where he doesn’t always have to be the primary option.
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