Ray Hits the Reset Button, Exercises ’11-’12 Option with the C’s

Sugar Ray and Celtics fans may have heard Ray Allen hint at after the Celtics game 5 loss to Miami, “I have been full steam ahead with this team. I don’t have any plans to go anywhere else.” Well now it’s official, as Ray has chosen to exercise his option to stay with the Boston Celtics through the 2011-2012 NBA season. With this decision, Celtics fans can now look forward to another season (and perhaps the last) with the intact veteran core that led the team to an NBA Finals victory against the Lakers in ’08.

This past season Ray made it clear beyond a doubt that he’s still got game. He didn’t just play his usual game, he actually shot career high percentages from the floor and beyond the 3-point line this season. He missed only two games during the season, not because of injury, but due to a decision by coach Rivers to rest the starters leading into the post season. All this he did while clocking over 36 minutes a game. Take a moment to check his Wikipedia Page and you’ll find it says Ray Allen will turn 36 this July… but that can’t be right, is it? Believe it or not, it is. This is not your usual 36 year old NBA player, and every 3-pointer he makes next season will be a new all-time NBA record. This season he left off at 2,612.

There’s a lot of buzz surrounding Ray’s Decision to stick with Boston; Here are some articles all about it:

NESN:

Ray Allen Remains in Boston, With Him Remain Celtics’ Championship Hopes

CBS Boston:

Staying A Celtic: Ray Allen Exercises Option For 2011-12 Season

Boston Herald:

Ageless Ray Allen not done

WEEI:

Why the Return of Ray Allen is Good for Him and the Celtics.