Boston Celtics Tribute Video For Ray Allen Met With Boos And Cheers (Video)

In preparation for Ray Allen’s return to the TD Garden this afternoon, the Boston Celtics organization prepared a tribute video for him that was played immediately before he checked into the game for the first time. While the video was initially met with boos, the crowd eventually came around.

Hilariously, once the clapping was over and Ray Allen checked into the game in his Miami Heat uniform, he was immediately booed. The first time he touched the ball, a portion of the crowd expressed their disdain but they were quickly silenced by his subsequent basket.

In situations like this, it can often be hard for fans to remember the good over the bad. The bad being that Ray Allen left the Celtics to play for the team that’s bounced him out of the playoffs for the past two years. But you know what? Ray Allen helped Boston win their first ring since 1986. That eclipses any arbitrary rivalry that Boston fans still think exists.

Perhaps the most ridiculous part of this whole “traitor” talk is that Danny Ainge tried to trade him three times in his four-year tenure with the Celtics. Oh, and they moved him to the bench in his last season with the team. Also, he kind of played for two other teams before arriving in Boston. Chances are that if one of those trades went through Ray Allen would have been greeted with ear-piercing cheers.

Yet another example of how the whole “loyalty” double-standard is only applied to players. The Celtics and Heat are tied at the half, while Ray Allen has 7 points in ten minutes. Time will tell how the crowd feels when Ray nails his first three-pointer.