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NBA Cleveland Cavaliers

Ray Allen Is A Ring Chaser, And That’s Okay

By @courtzierk

Getty Images

Getty Images

Let’s be honest: How many times have you referenced the number of rings a player has to support a particular player’s place in history? Now, how many times have you devalued another player’s place among their sport’s greatest because they have yet to win a championship? If you answered “never” to either of these questions, well, frankly, I don’t believe you.

With Ray Allen confirming his decision to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, the amount of venom being spewed over his choice is daunting. Cries of “ring chaser” and “traitor” are everywhere. It’s almost as if people are mad at someone for trying to compete for the ultimate goal in their profession.

If you had an opportunity to join one of the most elite companies in your chosen industry, would you not jump at the opportunity? Why must we view NBA players as being exempt from the very human desire to achieve?

Allen has done nothing wrong, and his place in history should not be devalued by any of his decisions. He has simply exercised his right as a free agent to choose the most desirable location. To think that he owed the Miami Heat anything in the way of loyalty is absurd. It is even more absurd for Boston Celtics fans to label him a traitor when their ownership recently traded away the heart and soul of that franchise and city in Paul Pierce.

Allen saw an opportunity to win another championship in Miami and jumped at it, just as he sees a similar opportunity with the Cavaliers. It’s simple really. If you see a chance to pursue greatness, you should chase it regardless of what anyone thinks, and especially when doing it within the construct of the rules laid out for you.

In the pantheon of great shooters who have played in the NBA, Allen stands near the top, and winning multiple championships does nothing but enhance his place in history. Put simply, don’t expect anything more from players than you would expect from yourself.

Court Zierk is a Columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter@CourtZierk, “Like”him on Facebook or add him onGoogle

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