NBA's Greatest Players in History: Ray Allen

• Set NBA record for most 3-pointers made in a season (269 in 2005-06)
• Hit one of the most iconic shots in NBA Finals history to save Miami's season in 2013
• Two-time NBA champion and Olympic gold medalist
• Member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team

Ray Allen revolutionised the game with his deadly accurate long-range shooting, becoming one of the most feared perimeter threats in NBA history.

Overview

Ray Allen's 18-year NBA career was defined by his picture-perfect shooting form and unparalleled work ethic. Known as one of the greatest shooters of all time, Allen's impact on the game went far beyond his ability to drain three-pointers. He was a complete player who could score from anywhere on the court, defend at a high level, and deliver in clutch moments.

Career snapshot

Allen entered the league in 1996 as the 5th overall pick, quickly establishing himself as a dynamic scorer with the Milwaukee Bucks. He continued to refine his game with the Seattle SuperSonics before joining the Boston Celtics' "Big Three" and winning his first championship in 2008. Allen capped off his career with the Miami Heat, hitting one of the most memorable shots in NBA Finals history en route to his second title in 2013.

Playing style

While primarily known for his three-point shooting, Allen was a versatile offensive threat throughout his career. Early on, he showcased his athleticism with powerful dunks and acrobatic finishes. As he matured, Allen's game evolved to rely more on his deadly jump shot and crafty off-ball movement. His textbook shooting form and quick release made him nearly impossible to guard, especially coming off screens.

Why Ray Allen is on our list

Ray Allen's inclusion on the list of most dominant NBA players is a testament to his consistency, longevity, and ability to impact the game's biggest moments. His tireless work ethic set a new standard for shooting specialists, and his preparation became the stuff of legend. Allen's career numbers speak for themselves: 10 All-Star selections, two NBA championships, and the all-time leader in three-pointers made at the time of his retirement.

What truly sets Allen apart is his clutch performances in high-pressure situations. His game-tying three-pointer in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals is widely considered one of the greatest shots in basketball history, showcasing his mental toughness and precision when it mattered most.

Five Fast Facts

• Finished his career with 2,973 three-pointers made, second all-time at his retirement

• Shot 40% from three-point range over his entire career, including the playoffs

• Averaged 18.9 points per game over 1,300 regular-season games

• Appeared in 171 playoff games, reaching the NBA Finals three times

• Played Jesus Shuttlesworth in the Spike Lee film "He Got Game" (1998)

Career Highlights Timeline

1996: Drafted 5th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves, immediately traded to Milwaukee Bucks

1997: Named to NBA All-Rookie Second Team

2000: First NBA All-Star selection

2001: Leads Bucks to Eastern Conference Finals

2003: Traded to Seattle SuperSonics

2006: Sets NBA record with 269 three-pointers in a single season

2007: Traded to Boston Celtics, forms "Big Three" with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce

2008: Wins first NBA championship with Celtics

2009: Becomes all-time leader in three-pointers made

2012: Signs with Miami Heat

2013: Hits game-tying three-pointer in Game 6 of NBA Finals, Heat win championship

2014: Plays final NBA season

2018: Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Ray Allen's legacy as one of the NBA's most dominant players is secured not just by his statistical achievements, but by the way he changed the game. His dedication to perfecting the three-point shot helped usher in the modern era of basketball, where perimeter shooting is valued more than ever before. Allen's career serves as a blueprint for aspiring shooters and a reminder that with enough practice and preparation, even the most pressure-packed moments can be conquered.

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