Several media sources have speculated that Kevin Garnett is an early favorite for MVP this season. One of the reports included Pierce among the early candidates. I would enter Ray Allen's name into the mix as well. Ray has played a huge part in the Celtics success so far and could be considered the Celtics MVP to this point.
First and foremost, without Ray Allen, there wouldn't be any Kevin Garnett. The trade almost went down the week before the draft but KG came out and said that he didn't want to go to Boston. Then, after the draft, when the trade talks once again got serious, KG was suddenly not only willing, but anxious to go to Boston. So, what was the difference? The draft day trade for Ray Allen. Without Ray Allen, even with Paul Pierce there, Boston wasn't a desirable location but once Ray Allen came on board, Boston was suddenly a great place.
Second, Ray Allen is averaging 39.4 minutes per game. More than Pierce, more than KG, and more than anyone on the team. This means that Ray's presence on the court is the most important of the big 3. His presence with the second team gives leadership beyond just his stats and his presence with the starters helps to spread the floor and provides more leadership in the back court along with Rondo.
Third, speaking of Rondo, Ray has worked hour upon hour with Rondo in the off season and before and after practices on his jumper. We can see his work paying off with Rondo's 53.5% shooting percentage this season. He is taking, and hitting, the mid range jumper this season and for that we can thank Ray Allen.
Finally, he has already hit the game winner in two different games. When the game is on the line, Ray Allen is willing and very able to take the final shot of the game. And, in spite of going through a shooting slump of sorts, he never hesitated to take those shots and even better, he hit them.
When Ray gets his rhythm back and his shots start falling, which they will, he will be even more important to this team. Ray Allen gives our young players an example to follow as far as work ethic and he is willing to mentor them. His work with Rajon Rondo has been invaluable to this team aleady. Ray Allen is overshadowed by the other two thirds of the Big Three for the most part, and he doesn't get the recognition by the media types that the other two do, but make no mistake, his contributions to this team are most valuable.
