Older fans of the Boston Celtics may have noticed that the “new Big Three” of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen were all in attendance for the raising of Banner 18 on Celtics ring night. What younger fans of the team may not all realize is that it was not all that long ago that such a grouping of Boston alumni would have been a news story in itself. The rift that opened between the trio was forever squashed at KG’s jersey retirement ceremony in 2022, which opened the door to a renewed bond between themselves and the fans at moments like the Opening Night banner-hanging pomp and circumstance.
Allen spoke with Heavy Dot Com’s Steve Bulpett after the festivities had subsided to talk to the the University of Connecticut alum about that rift, it’s closure, and what things are like between the trio today. “I think, for the most part, time has passed, and it’s that idea of thought that as you age, you make amends with your past follies, and you forgive old enemies,” said Allen. “I’m at the age now where I don’t want to have any issues with anybody, because I just want to live life and be happy.”
As to spending time with his fellow Boston Ubuntu alumni, Allen had a simple answer.
“You know, when you win a championship, that’s a forever thing,” said the Hall of Fame shooting guard. “And to be able to come here and to celebrate and sit courtside with Paul (Pierce) and Kevin (Garnett) … we talked game all day.”
“The whole game, we talked about things we did, players we played against, teams we played against. That’s what it’s all about.
