For the past five years, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen have been known as "The Big Three". With Allen's departure to Miami, that name gets put to rest once again.
But it won't take long for all three players to find themselves on the same court. Boston opens up its season in Miami on October 30m, Opening Night, against the defending champions. Instead of Allen coming out of the visitors tunnel, he'll be trotting out on the home side right behind LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.
Pierce was asked by Celtics.com's Molly McGrath on his feelings about this future situation.
"It's going to be a little weird, you know, but Ray made the best decision for him," Pierce said. "And that's what pretty much it's all about. You get in these situations, you get in free agency, you make a decision what's best for you and your family. Ray will always be a brother for me. If it wasn't for him I probably wouldn't be wearing a championship ring. So the things he was able to do for this organization will never be forgotten."
Pierce was then asked if he's talked to Allen since the season ended. He gave a response that probably echoes the rest of the team's sentiments.
"Couple texts. You know, I'm a little bitter that he went to Miami, but he's still a brother of mine."
Brother off the court, perhaps, but now enemies on it. The Celtics didn't waste any time waiting for Allen's response or filling the roster without him. They went out and signed Jason Terry and Courtney Lee, two guards who look to more than make up for Allen's production. Pierce is especially excited to play with Terry.
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"I've always been a big fan of Jason Terry's," he said. "I just think playing against him in college a couple of years and just watching his NBA career flourish over the years then winning a championship and just bringing that element to our ballclub now. You know, he's one of the best sixth men all-time to ever play the game, you know, that's something we were lacking a year ago and that's only due to injuries. So hopefully he can bring that and the consistency, that championship experience so that we can get back to where we were a few years ago."