Should Celtics retire Ray Allen’s number? Perk makes his case originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
When the Celtics raise Kevin Garnett’s No. 5 to the TD Garden rafters on March 13, Ray Allen will be the only member of the “Big Three” whose number isn’t retired in Boston.
Kendrick Perkins believes that should change.
The former Celtics big man, who spent three seasons as Allen’s teammate from 2007-08 to 2009-10, implored the Celtics to retire Allen’s No. 20 during ESPN’s “Swagu and Perk” show with Marcus Spears on Wednesday.
Did KG, Pierce and Allen finally reconcile at All-Star weekend?
“Paul (Pierce) got his jersey retired. KG getting his jersey retired in a few weeks. Hey man, retire Ray Allen’s jersey,” Perkins said to Spears, who seemed to agree. “Let’s everyone just stop with the bull—-. Stop it now, and retire Ray Allen’s jersey, man.”
Pierce had his No. 34 retired in 2018, and he’s certainly deserving: The Basketball Hall of Famer made 10 All-Star teams over 15 seasons in Boston and is the second-leading scorer in franchise history behind John Havlicek. Garnett only spent six seasons with the Celtics, but he was integral in changing the team’s culture while playing at an All-Star level during his C’s tenure.
While Perkins’ support of Allen is admirable, it’s tougher to make the number retirement case for Allen. Sure, he’s a Hall of Famer, but he spent just five seasons with the Celtics and missed 36 games during his final campaign. And while he found more team success in Boston, Allen put up better numbers in both Milwaukee (19.6 points per game over his first seven seasons) and Seattle (24.6 points per game over five seasons).
Considering Garnett’s number will be the 23rd retired by the team, Allen’s No. 20 joining Pierce and Garnett’s in the rafters seems like a long shot. But Perkins still was glad to see the Big Three link up at NBA All-Star weekend despite their history.
“I am so happy Paul, Ray, and KG came together,” Perkins said. “I don’t care if it was just for a photo. Because with that photo, there was some kind of conversation. …That touched me in a different way, bro.”
