Allen, who established himself as one of the game's prolific shooters in a record-setting career, confirmed he was leaving basketball for good. Allen announced his retirement in a letter to his younger self on The Players' Tribune.
"I write this to you today as a 41-year-old man who is retiring from the game," Allen wrote. "I write to you as a man who is completely at peace with himself."
In his 18 years in the league, Ray Allen has a lot under his belt. A two-time NBA Champion (Boston Celtics-2008 and Miami Heat-2013), a ten time NBA All Star and a career leader in both regular season and playoff three pointers made with 2,973 career three-pointers made, 413 more than anyone else to date. He also will be remembered from the inspiring basketball film of 1998 "He Got Game" were he played as Jesus Shuttlesworth.
His early days with the Bucks and Sonics were his most productive individually but in 2007 he was traded from Seattle to the Celtics which really placed him in the spotlight. Alongside Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, Allen formed in that era the BIg three, that journey then led them to winning the 2008 NBA Finals, the Celtics' first title since 1986.
Over time, the Celtic shooter had difficulty putting in his own rhythm in the team, particularly with recalcitrant point guard Rajon Rondo. In 2012, Allen surprisingly signed with the Celtics' rival, the Miami Heat.
In Miami, he was part of one of the best teams of the decade together with Lebron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. During their run in the 2012-2013 NBA season the Heat went on a 27-game-winning streak and returned to the Finals vs. the Spurs. In Game 6 of the Finals vs the Spurs, Ray Allen put in one of the most unforgettable shot in NBA FInals history the shot that changed the momentum and the outcome of the game and the series.
Throughout Ray Allen's career he displayed tremendous heart and passion for the game of basketball. He will always be one the greats and in time will be inducted in the NBA Hall of Fame. It has been a pleasure for everyone to watch and ride with the journey with Ray Allen and his basketball excellence will always be remembered.
