The greatest 3-point shooter of all-time has joined the newly anointed king in Miami.
Ray Allen abandoned his role as one of the Big 3 in Boston to join the championship trio of the Heat.
For half of the money offered to him by the Celtics, Allen became the latest high profile free agent to head to south beach, embracing an entirely new role along the way. Instead of being carrying the burden of being one of the key components for an aging team in Boston, Allen will become Miami’s primary option off the bench, expected to stretch the floor and make defenses pay for collapsing on anyone driving to the basket.
The Celtics quickly found a replacement at shooting guard, signing free agent Jason Terry to a three-year contract.
LeBron James wasted no time in welcoming his new teammate, taking to Twitter to acknowledge the latest acquisition for Miami.
For his career, Allen has knocked down 2,718 attempts from beyond the arc, more than any other player in NBA history.
Even though he has been a prolific long range shooter throughout his entire career, connecting on 40 percent of his attempts in 16 seasons, Allen shot 45.3 percent from beyond the arc last year, the highest of his career.
Allen shot 48.5 percent from 3-point range over the first 28 games of the season, but an ankle injury clearly took a toll on his game late in the year, as he shot 41.8 percent over the final 18 games of the regular season.
Bone spurs in his right ankle forced him to miss 20 games during the regular season, allowing Avery Bradley to establish himself as one of the top perimeter defenders in the game.
During the post season, Allen tried to play through his injury, but provided little impact, shooting 39.5 percent from the field and 30.4 percent from 3-point range.
Ray Allen has shot 40 percent from beyond the arc during his 16-year career.
His averages of 10.7 points and one assist per game during the 2012 playoffs were the worst of any of his 10 post season appearances.
The soon to be 37-year-old averaged just 11.9 points per against Miami in the Eastern Conference Finals, he was one of the most pursed free agent shooting guards this summer.
The injury allowed him only to play over 40 minutes three times in the playoffs, a difficult task for a player that has made a career out of his stamina.
Allen’s pre-game shooting regimen is legendary, and that focus is something the Heat are hoping can be used to pursue its third consecutive appearance in the Finals.
Allen was selected by Minnesota with the fifth overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft but then was immediately traded to Milwaukee in exchange for Stephon Marbury.
At the trade deadline in 2003, Allen was dealt to Seattle for Gary Payton.
For eight straight seasons with the Bucks and SuperSonics, Allen scored over 20 points per game while establishing himself as one of the top shooters, from anywhere on the floor, in the game.
During his final season with Seattle, Allen averaged a career-high 26.4 points per game, but was dealt to Boston for the fifth overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft.
The Celtics brought in Allen to play beside Paul Pierce and rebuild after a 24 win season. Kevin Garnett demanded a trade away from Minnesota and was finally able to call Allen a teammate in Boston, nine years after he was dealt away on draft night.
Ray Allen averaged 14.2 points per game last season, his lowest average since his rookie season.
The Big Three in Boston immediately clicked, improving by 42 victories and winning its 17th championship, most in league history.
Five years later, Allen is joining another Big Three, this time serving in a complimentary role.
By adding Allen to the roster, Miami can revamp its roster, possibly using its amnesty clause on Mike Miller, to free up money and pursue a much needed center.
Two summers ago, the Heat became title contenders by securing talent from the 2003 NBA Draft, keeping Dwyane Wade while signing Chris Bosh and James in free agency.
To defend its title, Miami may add another piece from the 1996 NBA Draft.
Marcus Camby is expected to visit with the team this weekend, providing a much needed defensive impact to the team and rebounding presence.
Wade was the leading shot blocker for the Heat last season, swatting 1.3 attempts per game while Camby has averaged 2.4 rejections per game during his career.
Camby may provide a defensive impact, but the team already upgraded its offensive attack.
The addition of Allen provides the greatest 3-point shooter in league history to a Miami team trying to launch a dynasty.
