Ray Allen’s 3-point shooting ushered in a new NBA era – and made him a legend | The Class of ’96

On this episode of The Class of ’96, Bomani Jones looks at the life and career of Ray Allen. After being selected as the fifth overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft, Allen made more 3-pointers in his career than any player in NBA history, including perhaps the biggest shot in the history of the league. But even while he was helping to set the stage for the 3-point surge of the modern NBA, he was also a dangerous slasher and penetrator – and a Spike Lee collaborator.
#NBA

0:00 The story of Ray Allen
0:30 Sparking a paradigm shift
2:58 The beginning
4:07 The prime years
6:12 Defining moment: Clutch in Game 6

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[espn]

0:00​ The story of Ray Allen
0:30​ Sparking a paradigm shift
2:58​ The beginning
4:07​ The prime years
6:12​ Defining moment: Clutch in Game 6

[cmbr]

“When the game is on the line and my team needs me, there is nothing outside of my range”. . . .Ray Allen

[jamaljackson]

One of the most underrated superstars ever

[spproductionsnba]

ESPN this is the best content you’ve done in like 5 years, keep this going please!

[GrowWithWill]

Mario Chalmers called for the ball...because of course he did 😂

[Peopleschamp_]

I will never forget that shot. I couldn't believe my eyes bro.That Baaannngg!! Sent chills down my spine.

[DecAllTimeAlways]

I remember when Ray Allen scored 51 pts in a playoff game vs the Bulls. The 2009 First Round Game 6 between the Celtics vs. Bulls that went triple OT was one of the best playoff games I've ever seen.

[DavidBaggaShorts]

People forget that young Ray Allen on the bucks was a REAL PROBLEM and not just 3’s. He’s still the most underrated shooting guard in my opinion. Top 3 shooter of all time ✊🏽

[DecAllTimeAlways]

Ray Allen also signed with Jordan Brand as a rookie. One of the pioneers for the Jumpman Pro shoes. When Ray Allen was inducted in the HoF in 2018, Nike sent him a collection of Air Jordans.

[Fureification]

He was hitting green on the shot meter every time.

[blacksocrates]

My favorite basketball player of all time, Thanks for giving Ray his Shine Bomani!!

[certifiedchaos]

What gives him the edge over all the shooters was he had handles and hops he was also a very solid defender

[utho]

When I was a kid in the early '00s, i had an NBA video game for N64--Kobe was on the cover, and my three teams were the Kobe Lakers, AI Sixers, and Ray Allen Bucks with Sam Cassell. Ray Allen was a beast. so underappreciated.

[Ekofrennzy]

He been legendary since Jesus Shuttlesworth

[michaelhession]

Most underrated player in Bucks history. He was the face of a team that should of made the Finals if it weren't for the Iverson Handicap in 2001.

[trvspvrk]

Sonics Ray Allen was my favorite version of him

[corpyhogan]

Great to see Ray getting the credit he deserves

[Dangic]

He Got Game
Incredibly underrated movie.

[kawaiiafangirl]

What's amazing about Ray Allen was that he played in an era before analytics and part of his career (Milwaukee) was played with a bit of hand-checking in the NBA. If he played under today's NBA's rules during his time, he'd have a much easier time driving to the lane (people forget that Ray was good at driving to the basket especially during his Milwaukee days) and going through screens. He'd probably also opt for more corner 3s and 3s in general, less long-range 2s, and so his shooting averages and PPG average would increase for sure.

I'm not saying today's game was the way to play. I'm only saying that Ray's scoring and shooting would be very comparable or even superior to today's best scorers.

[FatherFirst]

Die hard Sonics fan here. I loved Ray Allen in Seattle. He was a beast. With no more Sonics I've transitioned to the Portland Trailblazers since Brandon Roy went there from UW and love watching Dame and CJ play now. I miss the Sonics for sure but am a very happy Trailblazers fan.