ORLANDO, Fla. - Boston Celtics guard E'Twaun Moore counts Ray Allen among the
many Celtic players who helped him in his transition to the NBA last season.
At the end of the day, Moore understands Allen's decision to sign a three-year deal worth more than 9 million with the Miami Heat is just part of the business of being an NBA player.
"I didn't really know what was going on," Moore said. "It's kind of surprising. But that's a decision he has to make for himself."
It was a decision that might benefit Moore who comes into this summer league trying to do enough to warrant the C's bringing him back for a second season.
That path became a little more clearer with Allen's decision to not return to Boston and accept a two-year deal worth 12 million.
"It gives me a greater chance (of making the team)," Moore said of Allen's departure. "I just have to take advantage of it."
With the C's already having a backcourt of Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley and
soon-to-be acquired Jason Terry, the addition of Allen would have made it a lot
tougher for the Celtics to justify keeping Moore when they have so many other
holes in their roster in need of addressing.
Boston Celtics
"He's gone," Moore said. "So now I just have to worry about me and go ahead and play."
Moore's play, especially his confidence in his shot, has been aided by spending a year with Allen who has made more 3s (2,718 and counting) than any player in NBA history.
Many of the lessons needed to achieve such a milestone, Allen has passed on that knowledge to players like Moore.
"He definitely shared his wisdom," Moore said. "Especially on keeping your body healthy; make sure you take care of yourself by staying in shape. Those were some of the things he always talked about."
Although they play different positions, Boston forward JaJuan Johnson counts Allen among the Boston veterans to provide some guidance and direction during his first season as well.
"He was a great teammate," Johnson told CSNNE.com. "The biggest thing Ray did, was lead by example. He always stuck to the 'true team' concept, always professional. Those were the two things I take away from being around Ray."
Celtics assistant coach Tyronn Lue who is coaching the C's summer league team, counts himself among those who will miss having Allen around.
As much as Allen helped him and the coaching staff's job become easier, the impact he made on the team's young players - like Moore and Johnson - was one of Allen's strengths that often went unnoticed.
"Ray's the ultimate professional. He comes ready to play, everyday," Lue said. "The same workout he's been doing for the last 15 years. Young guys will miss him, but other guys will step up and take on the responsibility."
Lue, like most Celtic fans, is still processing the idea that No. 20's last big shot around these parts was the one he delivered on Friday when he decided to take his sweet-looking shot to South Beach instead of sticking around and making another run at Banner 18.
"I was shocked," Lue said of Allen's decision. "I see Ray as a Celtic. But in this business, you have to do what's best for you. I guess he thought Miami was best for him."