Ray Allen's Shot Attempts

Ray Allen

As more reports come in about Ray Allen hinting he wants more shots, Doc Rivers saying Allen isn't relaxed and is dribbling too much, I wanted to to take a closer look at what is going on.  After paying attention to just Allen on the offensive side in the last few Celtic games it seems pretty obvious to me he is just not getting open.  Rondo is still looking for him every possession when he comes off the screens, but his man is on him tight.  I have seen this happen countless times, and in the end it just takes some time off the shot clock as Rondo waits for Allen to get to his spot.  In the time when Rondo does get Allen the ball there is no shot.  This looks like it leads to Allen getting somewhat frustrated with no having a shot and dribbling more then usual trying to set up his own shot, something he has not excelled at in a couple of years.  The question as to why Allen is not getting open can either be one of two options.  Option number 1,  Allen is just getting older and people are having an easier time staying up with him.  Option number 2, which I would I guess is the real culprit, is that people are just not setting good screens (something Perkins excelled at) for Allen and giving his defender a much easier time following him around the court.  The one positive to come out of all this is that it has forced Rondo to be more aggressive.  Rondo has been taking and hitting his long range jumper consistently over last 5 games (11/17 from 16-23 feet).