“Listen, I think that’s going to happen,” Rivers said of a potential Big Three reunion. “I did think it would have been great for Ray to have been there. But there’s just angst right now, and in Ray’s defense, I know he thought about coming. I can tell you that, because I talked to him personally.

Allen has taken criticism not only for passing on the ceremony but for posting a picture of himself along with comedian George Lopez golfing on the same day. Clippers coach Doc Rivers defended Allen Wednesday, saying that Allen did consider attending the ceremony but was unsure about potential backlash from Celtics fans.


“He didn’t know if he should. He didn’t know if it was the right time. He really didn’t want to take anything away from Paul or be a distraction, and he won’t be, and that’s what we’ve got to convince him of. If he would have been there, the fans would have cheered for him. That will happen eventually; you’ve just got to figure out when.”

Allen’s Instagram post:

Allen, Pierce, and Kevin Garnett helped the Celtics to their first championship in 22 years in 2008. But Allen angered his Celtics teammates in 2012 by signing a two-year, $6 million deal with the Miami Heat instead of accepting a two-year, $12 million offer from Boston.

By the time the Celtics made that offer to Allen, they had already signed veteran shooter Jason Terry, and they had passed on an opportunity to extend Allen’s contract during the previous season.

An offended Allen was courted by Heat president Pat Riley and superstars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, and he won a title with Miami in 2013. Allen hit one of the biggest shots in team history, an improbable 3-pointer to send Game 6 of the Finals to overtime.


Since his retirement, Allen has said he wants to mend fences with his former teammates. He talked extensively with Pierce in China last October and they posted a picture together on Instagram.

Yet Garnett and another former teammate, Rajon Rondo, haven’t been so receptive about a reunion.

“I think it has been smoothed out a little bit,” Rivers said. “I think it’s the next step now where everybody gets together. It’s more Ray was worried about the fans and everything.

“It will happen, though. I’m sure it will. Ray deserves it. Without Ray, we don’t win a world championship.”

Gary Washburn can be reached at gwashburn@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GwashburnGlobe.