Ray Allen needs a big game

Red2 · Post #1 » by **Red2** » Wed May 7, 2008 1:09 pm

our silent assassin , Ray Allen, has probably had the worst season of his career and last night he turned in another stinker. Granted he only took 4 shots so you can't say he was as bad as Pierce going 2 for 14 with six turnovers but if you take away the "KG Factor" ( i.e. we don't get KG w/o Ray Allen) this guy has been a major disappointment. He can not create his own shot off the dribble and while he tries hard on D that's not his strength either. Last night he couldn't even get past Wally and Wally isn't excatly Mr D either. I feel Doc has done an incredibly poor job of designing plays for Ray but I am astonished at how often Ray turns the ball over with lazy passes and how rarely he fails to convert on a break away. I love the way he shoots but I was expecting a lot more when we gave up delonte, wally and the number 5 pick in the draft. Ideally he becomes the 6th man for us and we get a younger shooting guard who can defend and put the ball on the floor. We are getting killed in the playoffs by dribble penetration and other than Pierce and rondo we have no one attacking the hoop. Garnett did last night and it was a pleasure to see but way too often he settles for the 15 footer.

MyInsatiableOne · Post #2 » by **MyInsatiableOne** » Wed May 7, 2008 1:21 pm

Actually Ray's numbers this season (except for his scoring) were almost identical to his career numbers, so that argument is bunk. A lot of people have been saying it around here, but it's wrong.

That being said, he was awful last night, but everyone was except for KG, Rondo, Posey, and Cassell.

RoyHobbs · Post #3 » by **RoyHobbs** » Wed May 7, 2008 2:00 pm

Red2 wrote:our silent assassin , Ray Allen, has probably had the worst season of his career. ... this guy has been a major disappointment.

See, I'm sorry, but this is just uninformed.

Ray had a great shooting year.

TS%: 58.4% (fourth best in his 12 year career, 1.3 better than career average)
eFG%: 53.7% (fourth best in his career, 1.8 better than career average)
3PT%: 39.8% (fifth best in his career, 0.1 better than career average)
FT%. 90.7% (second best in his career, 1.8 better than career average)

I'm not sure what the problem is. His points are down, because he takes fewer shot attempts. His overall field goal percentage was very slightly down (although it was his second best in the last six seasons, and within 0.1 of his career average) because he took a higher percentage of three-pointers this year.

After the all-star break, he shot a phenomenal 48.7% overall, and 44.4% from three. For a shooting guard who concentrates on outside shots, those numbers are absolutely tremendous.

In terms of creating his own shot / going to the hoop, that hasn't been Ray's role this year, but it's definitely something he can do. 21% of Ray's shots have been from inside this year, and 36% of his shots overall have been unassisted.

On defense, Ray held opposing shooting guards to an Opponent's PER of 12.4, which is an absolutely phenomenal number, and I believe the best Opponent's PER of any starting shooting guard in the NBA. He's not a great individual defender, but in terms of results, he's been as good as anybody.

I'm not sure why people have the perception that Ray had an off year, but they couldn't be further from the truth.

Tricky Ricky · Post #4 » by **Tricky Ricky** » Wed May 7, 2008 2:03 pm

He did ok this season but the last 3 playoff games he has been AWFUL hopefully he can break out of this slump soon

jfs1000d · Post #5 » by **jfs1000d** » Wed May 7, 2008 2:03 pm

Ray Allen is solid. He doesn't get as many shots.

Bad offense that he only got 4 shots. PG problem,and Pierce forcing his shot.

I know rondo went for 15 and sam for 8, but the PG play could be better as far as organization.

Ray is most hurt by the shoot first PGs.

Post #6 » by **ParticleMan** » Wed May 7, 2008 2:16 pm

We need to run more plays for Ray. he hardly ever touched the ball. wally is not as bad on D as people here think. ray can get around wally anytime he wants but the few times he did last night, he got the ball knocked away because the cavs were swarming on D. Unlike Paul Ray won't force up shots.

What we really need is to find a way to push the ball and get some early offense. that's where ray really shines. if we walk the ball up every possession we're going to be lucky to crack 80 points this series.

bdawg · Post #7 » by **bdawg** » Wed May 7, 2008 2:43 pm

you think ray sucks because you really think he is jesus...

Kids Are Alright · Post #8 » by **Kids Are Alright** » Wed May 7, 2008 2:45 pm

MyInsatiableOne wrote:Actually Ray's numbers this season (except for his scoring) were almost identical to his career numbers, so that argument is bunk. A lot of people have been saying it around here, but it's wrong.

That being said, he was awful last night, but everyone was except for KG, Rondo, Posey, and Cassell.

What about Perk??????

kmgarnett21 · Post #9 » by **kmgarnett21** » Wed May 7, 2008 3:11 pm

we need more offensive fast break/transition where rondo is runnin ahead & he flips it back to ray sittin at the 3 pt line, ray almost always makes that shot.

but having cassell in there for so long is what's killing ray, as is the growing confidence of rondo. i'm ecstatic that rajon is feeling good & playing good, but i'd still rather have ray shoot a jumper than rajon. ever since rajon has been shootin more, ray's shots have gone way down.

i think doc should run some plays at the start for ray, maybe try to get a few layups so he can see the ball go in the hoop & gain some confidence.

MyInsatiableOne · Post #10 » by **MyInsatiableOne** » Wed May 7, 2008 3:13 pm

Kids Are Alright wrote:-= original quote snipped =-

What about Perk??????

Perk was very good in stretches last night but seemed invisible in others.

billfromBoston · Post #11 » by **billfromBoston** » Wed May 7, 2008 3:17 pm

RoyHobbs wrote:
Red2 wrote:our silent assassin , Ray Allen, has probably had the worst season of his career. ... this guy has been a major disappointment.

See, I'm sorry, but this is just uninformed.

Ray had a great shooting year.

TS%: 58.4% (fourth best in his 12 year career, 1.3 better than career average)
eFG%: 53.7% (fourth best in his career, 1.8 better than career average)
3PT%: 39.8% (fifth best in his career, 0.1 better than career average)
FT%. 90.7% (second best in his career, 1.8 better than career average)

I'm not sure what the problem is. His points are down, because he takes fewer shot attempts. His overall field goal percentage was very slightly down (although it was his second best in the last six seasons, and within 0.1 of his career average) because he took a higher percentage of three-pointers this year.

After the all-star break, he shot a phenomenal 48.7% overall, and 44.4% from three. For a shooting guard who concentrates on outside shots, those numbers are absolutely tremendous.

In terms of creating his own shot / going to the hoop, that hasn't been Ray's role this year, but it's definitely something he can do. 21% of Ray's shots have been from inside this year, and 36% of his shots overall have been unassisted.

On defense, Ray held opposing shooting guards to an Opponent's PER of 12.4, which is an absolutely phenomenal number, and I believe the best Opponent's PER of any starting shooting guard in the NBA. He's not a great individual defender, but in terms of results, he's been as good as anybody.

I'm not sure why people have the perception that Ray had an off year, but they couldn't be further from the truth.

...Roy, I'll tell you why so many people think he struggled this year:

1. Most fans only "know" Ray's game from Sports Center
2. He got a lot of media attention for his slow(ish) start

Ray Allen had to make the biggest change of any of the GPA trio and it effected his game early on...but as you pointed out he figured things out and shot lights out the 2nd half of the year...I expect to see his best efficiency year next season as the team further develops their offense and his role therein..

...that being said, Ray's role has been terribly inconsistent because he's asked to create looks for himself or receives the ball as an afterthought on many possessions...as a rhythm shooter, it must be so frustrating for Allen to go long stretches in the game with no discernible offenses being run for him beyond some incredibly weak pick-and-roll...

The last thing the C's need to do is send Ray Allen to the bench as a 6th man though-I laugh every time I see that written...the team doesn't want another slasher in the lineup, they want a deadly 3-point threat spacing the floor for Rondo and Pierce to slash, as well as KG to post...

...love the fact checking, you saved me the trouble....

pballa · Post #12 » by **pballa** » Wed May 7, 2008 3:41 pm

bdawg wrote:you think ray sucks because you really think he is jesus...

how dare you

TreyAllen34 · Post #13 » by **TreyAllen34** » Wed May 7, 2008 3:41 pm

Ray only got 4 shots last night that was horrible offense by the Celtics, you guys should be happy he wasn't putting up ridiculous shots and forcing his offense. They definitely need to run more plays for Ray.

tombattor · Post #14 » by **tombattor** » Wed May 7, 2008 3:57 pm

I'm not that worried about Ray. He'll be fine. He didn't shoot well, but he didn't really have many chances to score either. The Cavs did a very good job of not letting Ray get into rhythm and not giving him easy shots to get into rhythm.

What I really liked about Ray's game last night was that he didn't try to shoot himself into the game. Instead, he concentrated on D and other aspects.

MyInsatiableOne · Post #15 » by **MyInsatiableOne** » Wed May 7, 2008 5:22 pm

tombattor wrote:I'm not that worried about Ray. He'll be fine. He didn't shoot well, but he didn't really have many chances to score either. The Cavs did a very good job of not letting Ray get into rhythm and not giving him easy shots to get into rhythm.

What I really liked about Ray's game last night was that he didn't try to shoot himself into the game. Instead, he concentrated on D and other aspects.

Yup. He had some nice rebounds, steals, and harassing D.

He'll bounce back and be fine. Ray's a pro

return2glory · Post #16 » by **return2glory** » Wed May 7, 2008 5:50 pm

I don't think Ray has had an off year. His scoring is down because his shot attempts are down.

I agree with the few posters that said it's a poor offense and not enough plays are called for him. I would love to see some plays designed for Ray. Some of the coaches need to watch what Detroit does with Hamilton. He need to run plays like that for Ray where he comes off some picks and double picks.

Our offense in the playoffs have not impressed him. Our defensive as be nearly great all year thanks to the key additons of KG and Tom Thibodeau. However this team can use an offensive minded assistant coach as well.

ermocrate · Post #17 » by **ermocrate** » Wed May 7, 2008 6:00 pm

As I said elsewere, Cavs simply choose to let Garnett do the job and don't be killed from outside, Garnett score alot bacause no guard were helping Wallace or Smith defending him, all that just because they fear Ray's outside shot, that's not a minor role in winning the game. Made your team winning the game without shooting, that's simply FANTASTIC and typical for one of Ray's BB IQ.

GuyClinch · Post #18 » by **GuyClinch** » Wed May 7, 2008 7:06 pm

Still - we should be scoring more then 76 points so its not just a measure of pick your poision. This team should be scoring 100+. Sam's Ubuntu killing play isn't helping matters.

The C's need to push the pace - not just up and down the court but with regards to ball movement and cutting in the half court.. The C's need to get back to that crisp exciting basketball they were playing earlier in the season.

Pete

Post #19 » by **darrendaye** » Wed May 7, 2008 7:32 pm

I suppose I should contribute in this space since I'm on record for not being the biggest fan of Ray Allen's game and its impact on winning a ring. Ray seems like a great guy and is obviously one of the game's best shooters. However, it was argued by me at the time of the trade that he was not significantly more impactful for this team than a healthy Wally Szczerbiak. While it's too early to claim victory on that topic, it looks slightly more supportable now.

I understand why a great shooter like Ray is a prized asset in pairing with a slasher and/or low post scorer(s). But at $16mm per season, I'd hope the third member of my Big 3 would be Big in more than one trait.

Perhaps Bill is correct and Allen will be a more effective scorer with another year in the system. Yes, I am aware that Allen is quite capable of going 10 for 10 in game 2 and drilling a game winning shot. Yes, I anticipate that had Ainge not used the #5 pick to get Ray Allen that McHale may have insisted on its inclusion to acquire KG and that KG would not have agreed to come here had Ray not been onboard.

So, while I eventually came around on the deal because it resulted in getting Garnett, I have and will continue to hope that Ainge can turn around and deal him eventually for a more impactful allocation of those $16mm cap dollars.

DJToLarry · Post #20 » by **DJToLarry** » Wed May 7, 2008 7:41 pm

It's hard to say run more plays for Ray, since they have not really done it all season. They already made a big change in the offense for Cassell. And that is having its ups and downs. Might not be a good idea to tinker too much more at this stage.