The Boston Celtics Should Retire Ray Allen's Jersey Number

Allen played a pivotal role during his five years with the Celtics

The historic Boston Celtics franchise featured an immense amount of NBA legends. As of right now, they have 23 jersey numbers retired, the most by any sport organization in North America. While every player has earned the right to have their number in the rafters, former shooting guard Ray Allen has also contributed to the franchise in a large way.

Allen spent his first seven years in the league with the Milwaukee Bucks, with whom he formed himself into a prolific scorer. While he already had the potential to shoot from beyond the arc, he became known more for his dunking abilities, recording a total of 213 dunks during his tenure in Milwaukee.

After spending the next five years with the Seattle Supersonics, he was traded to the Celtics in 2007, forming a Big Three with superstars Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.

During his first season with the Celtics, Allen averaged 17.4 points while shooting 39.8% from the 3-point line. He also earned his fifth straight All-Star selection following Washington Wizards forward Caron Butler's injury. Allen even contributed in their 2008 championship as he averaged 15.6 points per game in the playoffs, including 20.3 points in the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Throughout the following four years, Allen turned in a combined average of 16.5 points while connecting on 41.3% of his 3-pointers. Along with two more All-Star selections, he helped the Celtics make the playoffs every year and averaged double-digit points in all but one playoff series.

After the Celtics failed to offer Allen a desired contract, he signed with the Miami Heat, with whom he spent his final two years. Even though he was past his prime when he played with the Celtics, he was still an effective piece for the franchise.

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Fansided’s Wiz of Awes. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson, Instagram @ckenzynelson, and Threads @ckenzynelson