Ray Allen: NBA Stats, Records, Achievements, Retirement, and More

What happens when records fall but legends remain untouchable? This is something that most Ray Allen fans can relate to from the recent developments. Most fans would remember the time when Allen reigned supreme as the king of the 3-point shot. For years, his silky-smooth stroke and clutch performances made him the standard-bearer for shooters in the NBA. Then came Steph Curry, with his jaw-dropping range, to surpass Allen’s record of 2,973 3-pointers in 2021.

Curry hasn’t just claimed the throne—he’s built a fortress. Extending the record to over 3,700 threes, leaving everyone else playing catch-up. So, Allen held on to the second spot in this elite club for a while, even after his retirement in 2014. But now, James Harden has climbed past him. Harden, now with the Los Angeles Clippers, sank his 2,974th career 3-pointer to break his tie with Allen and claim second place. It’s a remarkable achievement, but does it diminish Ray Allen’s legacy? Absolutely not. Let’s take a moment to appreciate Allen’s body of work.

Ray Allen was more than just a shooter

A 10x All-Star with a career average of 18.9 points per game, Allen wasn’t just a shooter—he was a scorer. Over 10 seasons, he averaged more than 20 points per game, all while maintaining a dazzling 40 percent accuracy from beyond the arc. Yep, four out of every ten times Allen fired a 3-pointer, it went in.

And who can forget his moment of immortality? Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals. The Miami Heat were on the brink of elimination, trailing the San Antonio Spurs. Then came Allen’s iconic shot—a game-tying 3-pointer from the corner that sent the arena into a frenzy. Not only did the Heat win Game 6 103-100 but went on to win the championship after claiming Game 7 as well. Had it not been for Allen’s 3-point shot, the Heat would have been short of one championship in the franchise’s legacy.

So yes, the 10x All-Star’s scoring average had dipped below 20 ppg during his 2 championships. But he was still as impressive from beyond the arc. And now, even as Harden and others climb the 3-point leaderboard, Allen’s legacy is safe. Records are meant to be broken, but the influence Allen had on the game—his role in making the 3-pointer a cornerstone of modern basketball—will never fade.

So, while Damian Lillard chases Allen’s spot in the top three (and still needs about 300 more threes), let’s take a moment to celebrate the original sharpshooting icon. He has more on his resume to show than just his 3-point achievements. A long list of awards, if you ask.

A closer look at the awards Ray Allen earned throughout his basketball career

If you were to list all the accolades this legendary shooter earned, it would be a long list. But each award tells a story of a player who never stopped striving for excellence. It all began back in high school when Allen was named South Carolina Mr. Basketball in 1993. Imagine being the top high school senior in an entire state. And it was clear from that moment that Ray Allen was someone special. But it didn’t stop there.

The 10x All-Star’s time at the University of Connecticut was marked by awards that only added to his growing reputation. In 1995, he earned the USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year for his standout performance in international competition, placing him alongside some of the best young players in the country.

But perhaps even more telling was his 1996 selection as the Big East Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Year. That same year, he added the UPI Player of the Year to his collection, cementing his place as one of the top players in NCAA Division I basketball. Not many would know that Ray Allen was the last recipient of UPI Player of the Year. Then, of course, there was his NBA journey, which spanned two decades and saw him become one of the most recognized faces in the league.

Who could forget Allen’s unforgettable performances with the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat? But beyond the championships and records, Allen’s commitment to sportsmanship truly set him apart. In the 2002-03 season, while playing for the Seattle SuperSonics, he was awarded the NBA Sportsmanship Award, now known as the Joe Dumars Trophy. The award honors players who go above and beyond in displaying ethical behavior, fair play, and integrity on the court. A reflection of how much respect he earned from his peers.

And let’s not forget the moment that many NBA players dreamt of–being named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team. In 2021, Allen was selected as one of the 75 greatest players in NBA history. A recognition that places him among the likes of Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant. That’s an achievement that speaks volumes about his legacy and his impact on the game.

On top of these monumental awards, Ray Allen also collected seven NBA Player of the Week honors throughout his career. It wasn’t just about the big moments, though. The 2x NBA champ’s career is more than a list of awards. It’s a story of someone who put in the time and displayed an unwavering work ethic. And never lost sight of the values that make the game of basketball great.

From high school to college and then the NBA, Allen’s accolades aren’t just a reflection of his skill—they’re a testament to his character.