Ray Allen Used to Be a Likeable Guy, Now No One Can Stand Him

Ray Allen used to be a likeable ball player. Who didn’t like Jesus Shuttlesworth in ‘He Got Game’? It was difficult to dislike the silky shooter when he laced them up for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Seattle SuperSonics, but he has progressively gotten tougher to like after being traded to Boston in 2007.

Ray Ray is still a great ball player and undoubtedly one of the best shooters to ever play in the league. With a career 3P% of .398 and FT% of .893, the numbers speak for themselves. He trails only Reggie Miller for the all time record of three-point field goals made. However, regardless of his career accolades, Ray Allen has become a tool since landing in Boston.

Why exactly has one of the smoothest shooters in the game become someone so easy to hate? There isn’t a definitive answer, but there may be a few explanations for it.

Jesus Shuttlesworth used to be a humble dude, that is, until he won his first ring in 2008. After teaming up with other ringless stars Kevin Garnett (another tool) and Paul Pierce to form the ‘Big 3,’ the Celtics won a championship last season. It seems like Allen has gotten cockier and has been playing a dirtier style of ball after winning the championship.

Another possible explanation for Ray Allen’s douchebagness can be attributed to the players surrounding him. Rajon Rondo, Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins, Eddie House, Paul Pierce etc… You can’t honestly tell me you think KG or Rondo are swell guys! Additionally, Garnett is one of the dirtiest players in the league, and I think it’s clear his dirtiness (as well as the lenience to hate him) has rubbed off on Allen and the rest of the team.

With the acquisition of Rasheed Wallace and a healthy(?) Kevin Garnett next season, the Celtics will definitely be contenders. There’s no doubt Boston will be one of the better teams in the league, but with so many tools, they will also be one of the most hated teams in the NBA. [Sports news you can drink a beer with - Bareknucks.com]