Ray Allen congratulates Paul Pierce on jersey retirement via Instagram

Kenan Goyette

Ray Allen congratulates Paul Pierce on jersey retirement via Instagram image

At least one side of the feud between Ray Allen and the rest of the 2008 Celtics championship team has taken a step toward reconciliation.

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Allen posted a message on Instagram on Tuesday congratulating Paul Pierce on his jersey retirement and speaking about his time with the '08 squad.

Allen wasn't present for Pierce's jersey retirement ceremony Sunday in Boston, while a few of the more notable members of the '08 team — Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo and Doc Rivers — were there to celebrate. 

 

What we did in 2008 was special! Not only by Boston standards but by professional sports standards. The truth is, without any one of us on that team we would’ve never been able to do the unthinkable. Going from last place in one year to winning a championship is unfathomable. But, we did it! WE did it- Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo, Tony Allen, P.J. Brown, Sam Cassell, Glen Davis, Eddie House, Kendrick Perkins, Scott Pollard, James Posey, Leon Powe, Gabe Pruitt, Brian Scalabrine, Doc, Danny, everyone at the Celtics Organization, our wives, children, families, the Fans in The City of Boston and yes, me. Over the last few years I have been berated, lambasted and had my name smeared. You may not want to hear this, but I will always be a Celtic. (Fact). I will always cherish the bonds that I shared with all of my teammates and the people in the city of Boston. (Truth). We all gave everything we had. We all won and we all raised the 2008 NBA Championship banner together. (Ubuntu) Paul Pierce is the first guy that welcomed Kevin and me with open arms into his atmosphere from day one and we never looked back. Paul and I have spoken about our time together as teammates- going to battle night after night knowing we could count on one another and we have also talked about my decision to leave during free agency- a choice I made for my family. Despite what you may have heard or read or what is rumored- there is nothing but love. Paul and I are more interested in building bridges than putting up walls. To Paul, number 34, Congratulations on having your number raised up to the rafters. I salute you for your commitment to the city of Boston and to us the 2008 NBA Champions #thetruth

A post shared by Ray Allen (@trayfour) on

In fact, Allen had other plans; during the game he posted a picture on Instagram of him hitting the golf course with comedian George Lopez.

The next day, Pierce, during an appearance on ESPN's "The Jump," mentioned he was all right with Allen's no-show, joking he was more upset with former Celtics guard Tony Allen's absence. Pierce was then asked about his relationship with Ray Allen. He said they had worked things out and that he had no problem with him.

The feud has been an ongoing battle of pettiness since Allen left Boston for Miami in free agency, effectively breaking up the original modern-era "Big Three."

Allen has remained low-key on the subject while other members of the squad, such as Rondo and Glen Davis, have openly discussed their feelings. Those discussions included a sit-down with Garnett, Pierce and Kendrick Perkins that was televised on TNT last year.

With Allen clearly ready to mend fences, maybe this post is the step that's needed to finally bury the hatchet.

Kenan Goyette