Ray Allen weighs in on GOAT debate: 'It's MJ all day'

Ray Allen knows who the true GOAT is.

© Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

With regard to the conversation about who the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) is, NBA legend Ray Allen has a unique perspective. His first few seasons playing for the Milwaukee Bucks saw him compete against Michael Jordan. Then, in the twilight of his career, the sharpshooter played against and, later on, with LeBron James, won a title on the Miami Heat.

Asked for his opinion about who he thinks the GOAT is, Allen answered: “It’s MJ all day long.”

For context: Ray Allen is a top 5 3 point Shooter of all time. He wasn't just a catch and shoot guy, he was a shot creator. He played against Jordan, Kobe, and LeBron. Was even part of a LeBron superteam and won a ring. Turn down your emotions and just listen. pic.twitter.com/V00KISR16i

— The Realest Realist 🏀 (@TRRealist23) January 2, 2024

His Airness had everything

According to Allen, Jordan’s arsenal was so deep and multi-faceted that getting a bead on him was very difficult.

“MJ had everything, from midrange to three-point to post-up game, and he could score and dominate at each position,” shared Allen on The Realist Realist show.

While three-point shooting was never Jordan’s strong suit—he shot 32% from long distance for his career—His Airness was excellent at everything else. Whether it was pulling up from midrange or backing down a defender at the post before launching his patented fadeaway, MJ’s arsenal was as varied as it was effective.

Dominant LeBron

Allen did not discount the sustained greatness of LeBron, who, at age 39, remains as dominant a basketball player as ever. Now the league’s scoring record owner, Bron can still shatter numerous milestones before his career is through.

“LeBron is dominant. LeBron can do so many things on the floor. LeBron is probably one of the best passers that the league has seen. MJ, that’s probably the weakest part of his game. But at the same time, MJ didn’t have any other weaknesses, and defensively, he was incredible and just as dominant,” Allen shared.

Bob Costas recalls the blunder moment when reporting on Michael Jordan during the 1991 Finals celebration