Ray Allen on Greatness and His Incredible NBA Career (Plus a Tim Legler Draft)

This week we’re incredibly excited to welcome NBA legend Ray Allen to The Old Man and the Three! Ray and JJ discuss so much, including Ray’s thoughts about youth basketball and coaching and what they miss most about being NBA players. Ray drops gems about what his mindset was around being a professional, leader, and how he approached practicing his shooting, conditioning, and training, plus what he thinks makes greatness. JJ also shares with Ray some meaningful interactions that they had together as players, and what Ray told JJ during his career that helped him and gave him confidence. They of course discuss Ray’s time on the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat and the sacrifices he needed to make for team success. They also, of course, discuss pregame routines, shooting, and Ray’s legendary shot in Game 6. Then, Tim Legler joins JJ and Tommy for a draft of which players from the 90s would be great in today’s NBA. Needless to say, it’s a packed episode. Let’s go!
Thanks to SoFi, the Official Bank of the NBA, for sponsoring! Enter for a chance to win $10K: sofi.com/jj
0:00 Intro
3:52 Coach of the Year
11:33 Ray Allen interview
1:34:19 Draft with Tim Legler
Subscribe to The Old Man and The Three podcast w/ JJ Redick (ESPN / First Take) and Tommy Alter KZbin channel today for more NBA analysis, player interviews and highlights.

[@marcussmith6805]

"A man has to be willing to plant a tree whose shade he'll never sit under." - Ray Allen 🔥🔥

[@vinni522]

That isn’t Ray’s quote. There’s been various versions of this from ancient texts. Chinese, Greek, Roman, pretty much every well known ancient society has some form of this sentiment. Ray’s just quoting what he learned.

[@marcussmith6805]

@vinni522 still a nice quote. 👍

[@jdankerdake]

If you’re rich enough, you can buy a mature tree.

[@ripkeyboarding3755]

@@jdankerdakeI hope this is just for laughs

[@tredd7385]

@@ripkeyboarding3755 you okay?

[@Lj2fleeGaming]

JJs pivot into podcasting has got to be one of the best profession transitions ive ever seen an athlete go through

[@andreashley6084]

Idk Charles Barkley did well for himself

[@bradd2400]

Tony Romo

[@philiplockett1041]

JJ is absolutely amazing. Hated him in college. Love him now.

[@kb5509]

I don't think it'll last. He wants to coach, and you can't do both.

[@TheKingofsoccor]

@@andreashley6084he was alcholic starting out lol

[@stefankljajic6194]

What I really love here is how JJ just lets him speak his mind. No interruptions, no ego, no need to be noticed. Just pure and respectful all-ears mentality. Letting the guest speak without interrupting him is very rare in journalism nowadays, even the "hmm"s and "yeah"s aren't there. Props to you JJ

[@jimsibley1651]

Definitely...JJ by being himself, authentic, and genuinely curious/interested, is demonstrating how to be a terrific interviewer. I'd guess he applies the same kind of thing that Ray's talking about to his media work...learn and grow, ask questions, learn and grow...great for us as viewers, and great life lessons

[@matthewjones6264]

Ray oozes wisdom. A privilege to hear him share.

[@unhhgcrxexhjvuvujchcrzwzwz7956]

Every sentence is so meaningful it’s crazy lol.

[@Bomboclatt1970]

Very agree with you! You learn a lot from his highlights on his ig.

[@alexisrobbins1736]

yeah idk how wise a guy with a bigass picturebook of obama behind him can be lol

[@bn1342]

@@alexisrobbins1736 always gotta make it a political issue huh?

[@wcomalley]

im starting to think he was just annoyed by kg and paul peirce cuz hes on another level of intelligence

[@CeeJM24]

That quote about planting a tree whose shade you’ll never sit under is beautiful.

[@lostdr34ms63]

Been watching a lot of bad friends but I had to come back to my all time favorite podcast. Love to see JJ still being the 🐐

[@michelangelooliver2590]

JJ was super locked in! You can tell he admires Ray.

[@wyattlauth1453]

Ray Allen is a class act. The fact that he went out of his way to praise JJ and compare the similarities to him as a player even though Ray is still probably better than JJ ever thought he was is a testament to his character

[@piggybankvillan]

How Ray speaks about basketball is just poetic. This is one JJ's best interviews imo.

[@WhereIsYourID]

Ray straight up is one of the most underrated players all time. Ive never seen another player's prime consistently get forgotten like Rays. Dude only seems to be remembered for his days on the Celts and Heat.

[@skillsmachine9164]

Im not a warriors fan but I feel like klay Thompson's is gonna be the same. Imo hes a better shooter than Ray and reggie etc and some of his clutch performances like game 6 against okc etc will just be forgotten. One of the best two way players Ive seen in the game. 37p in a quarter, 60 in 3 quarters, 4 rings. I still dont understand how reggie miller is a top 75 player over klay. 0 rings and his points ave has never even been high!

[@tiismuna]

​@@skillsmachine9164 nope nope nope. Klay is not Ray Allen material. I love Klay but he did not show franchise material. Ray is a Superstar/Main man before going to the Celtics. Reggie Miller too is a franchise and winning. Just short in the finals. Klay is only a Microwave of a great system.

[@cfgeronimo]

@@tiismunawell said

[@skillsmachine9164]

@tiismuna whats reggies highest point ave per season? Ill tell you what...24p for ONE season. Then it was 22 and hovered around 20. But yeh he was really carrying that franchise to winning wasn't he! Very overated player.

[@kingkoopa654]

He’s not underrated at all. He’s a HOFer. Many rings and widely considered one of the best shooters of all time. Y’all just be talking

[@tevindavis9575]

Ray Allen’s the reason I started watching basketball Thank you Ray and thank you JJ

[@orionguevera]

2008 Finals 8 3s in one game he was my steph curry fr

[@elijahantonelli9626]

Same

[@cabouo]

Facts man! Grew up in Milwaukee, moved before high school. He was that guy man and always been a class act and good role model

[@moses04ms]

@@oriongueverathat was 2010

[@orionguevera]

@@moses04msyeah i get those recession years mixed up

[@S-TierIguess]

Something about them Players that came from them late 90’s made some of the best moments in basketball ever!

[@YaboiPerky]

So funny seeing mfs unable to move on from their childhood😂😂😂😂😂

[@TheDominiqueBallou]

Maybe bc its the era you grew up watching. They did nothing special or different. Its a Nostalgia affect every generation goes through it.

[@S-TierIguess]

@@TheDominiqueBallou yea okay my bad nostalgia would make me think a era full of players like Shaq, Tim Duncan, Kobe, A.I. and KG was the best-ever! 😅😂😂😂

[@TheDominiqueBallou]

@@S-TierIguess yeah bc kids growing up now feel the same about the current up and coming stars.

[@zymbology7471]

@@S-TierIguess don’t listen to these zoomers man. You literally were not hating on the current gen and they go and hate on you for YOUR opinion 😭😭 Like deep down they must know it was the best era because that ish was unprovoked

[@parkmaster14]

"Man who Plants a tree who he will never see for others to shade. " damn never heard that quote. Ray such a class act.

[@kfjgfggdfgygfhughfgb]

BARZZ

[@JBlaze187]

You got a timestamp?

[@maciej7499]

Around 30 min mark

[@sudanstowell2533]

It's an old Greek proverb - " A society grows great, when old men plant trees in whos shade they shall never sit." And it's an amazing mentality, to make contributions that maybe only your children or grandkids - future generations - reap the benefits of.

[@Trevor10248]

30:17

[@Fash0da]

As a fellow military brat, listening to Ray talk about how it shaped his late childhood is so spot on. It’s a truly different experience.

[@Daniel_Ilyich]

This is one of my absolute favorite interviews on this channel. Ray Allen is such a great conversationalist and has so much too share (which he does, generously)! Thanks JJ.

[@freeman7239]

True INDEED

[@jaekang7382]

Ray Allen went Ultra Instinct mode on that shot. The body just knew.

[@thomaskennedy7842]

That's a different dude right there. He would have been successful at whatever he had sought to do in life. Extremely intelligent. Extremely thoughtful in his approach to his craft.

[@vineezyproductions9638]

I wish more modern players would follow this example

[@young_kdo9877]

The point Ray makes at 15:10 is so true. The crazy part is when I started going outside everyday to the local park and running drills; people came up to me to try to learn what I was practicing. Over the course of a few months, people gathered and I had a consistent squad of folks coming out to work on our games together. Its a big difference between just going out to put up shots vs. dedicated drills and practice. Sometimes kids would come challenge me 1:1 and once they lost; they would subscribe to my training program and start coming back to learn more haha. The only thing that didn't change was how hard I worked and everyday I would come back to work on my game regardless of who showed up

[@RicardoCastillo-Vega]

No one did that stop

[@qthebars]

First of all, Ray hasn’t aged a day 👑 2nd, JJ looking at Ray with reverence is dope to see. Best pod out. Keep smashing the gas. 💪🏿👑🐐

[@freeman7239]

Yeah he looks the same....CRAAAAZEE

[@The_Protagonist]

Love listening to Ray. He speaks so well. He’s one of the few players I wish I knew in real life. He seems like he would be a really interesting and genuine person in real life, someone who you can have real conversation with and learn a lot from. This is by far one of JJ better episodes.

[@Daniel_Ilyich]

I was a huge Ray Allen fan growing up. Loved his smooth playing style and his gorgeous jump shot technique. He Got Game starrring him and Denzel is a legendary bball movie, too!

[@ponypower8]

The way he spoke about techniques, preparation and training truly validates and personifies the phrase "HE GOT GAME", the movie he starred in. Learned a lot from this episode. One of the most informative episodes ever.

[@thenopasslook]

one of the most underrated players ever. he was such a good shooter that we overlooked his overall scoring ability in his prime. milwaukee ray was a bucket

[@lawbinson]

Ray, JJ, and Korver are who i built my game around as i got into better competition. Love these guys

[@Uncle.Shizz-onIG]

"A man must be willing to plant a tree who's shade he'll never sit under" deep af

[@spacexmike]

it's an old greek proverb, but a good one

[@kappawhoo]

@@spacexmikedoesn’t make it any less deep. Tbh what other athletes can quote Greek proverbs while understanding the true meaning? Probably a handful. Speaks to his greatness all around tbh.

[@CJSmith-yz8hq]

Ray is the reason I got sucked into college basketball then the NBA. It wasn't just his basketball skills but the way he presented himself... a true gentlemen. Thank you Ray for the great memories growing up. Awesome show JJ you got a new fan even though I'm a UConn dude.

[@_vijaypanchal]

Ray would make a fantastic coach. He's a true pro and can teach the right habits to the next generation.

[@peterranney9488]

When Ray Allen was talking about coaching and how you can teach unique life skills with it there are two quotes that always stand out in my mind about how to approach life. Jerry Rice "Today I will do what others won't so tomorrow I can achieve what others can't". And Vince Lombardi "The game today is going to come down to a couple of plays. I wish I could tell you all which ones."

[@ahamilton1189]

Man seeing two guys have a discussion about their position and roles at the highest level is amazing. There are probably 10 or less guys in the world that can have these discussions and relate the way they do

[@freeman7239]

Especially with how the game is NOW.,.but Ray Allen and JJ...TO be honest.,alot of players have been told BE AN INDIVIDUAL.,But a simple pass a decision is part of the game

[@Scotty80C]

What an absolute legend. So strategic and smart it's unreal

[@Sileonex123]

Anyone else here watching this for a fourth or fifth time just cuz this is one of the best conversations I've ever heard...

[@cblang8115]

This podcast was incredible. Ray is really living proof of mindset and dedication combined with critical thinking skills

[@Daniel_Ilyich]

55:49 Great moment in the interview! Kindness and gratitude is a beautiful thing!

[@TonyMontana-ww1em]

Amazing. Basketball and beyond interview, worthy of being shown in classrooms, orientations, and training materials for generations to come.

[@TheLetterN...]

This is absolutely one of my favorite episodes. I think it's because both JJ and Ray are apart of a relatively niche lineage in their eras and its so cool to see that inheritance being acknowledged

[@TheLetterN...]

Also I see my book FRIDAY BLACK on Ray's bookshelf so this is now MY FAVORITE EPISODE. I've been watching since JJ started years ago!

[@arghhgggbu]

Ray Allen never seems to grow old!!

[@carlemueller]

WOw is this gold. What is great is the cerebral aspect of Ray. The man has an ethos that transcends the toxic aspects of professional American sports. So refreshing, even if the mainstream media hates it.

[@jjsavior]

Hearing these guys both talk about having other men, help guide their careers, feels good. That's something I've never had.

[@albus6130]

Loved him on the Celtics and it hurt when he went to the Heat but it never made me dislike him. This was a great interview!

[@vsChris]

Ray Allen is my all time favorite athlete. I absolutely loved this episode

[@martinnovales]

My brain actually feels bigger from the amount of wisdom I just gained from this episode. Wow

[@carlosnunez7196]

This is a GEM of an episode , one of the best interviews I’ve ever watched 👏🏽

[@Dbodnar34]

The gratefulness that overflowed out of this podcast was beautiful

[@idksrry3434]

Loved tht point by jj abt tracking the screen assist, i never thought abt how important it is til now.

[@KmtS9]

Unbelievably insightful. A ton of depth with everything he says. Thank you for bringing Ray on JJ!!! You are definitely the podcast MVP!

[@JakeBodenhamer]

Ray Allen is one of my favourite players of all time! So excited for this episode! He Got Game really made me fall in love with basketball.

[@j__v1]

This is an amazing basketball episode! Salute to the OGs and glad Ray Allen getting his flowers.

[@flashman453]

This is a wildly interesting and provocative interview. This is exactly the kind of sports media I love. Thanks to JJ and crew and Ray for doing this

[@cheetah219]

Seeing jj on Flagrant and hearing kind of in detail how much jj looked up to Ray Allen and then this coming out, wild. Must have been kind of an out of body experience interviewing your hero and asking the questions he may have always wanted to ask Ray now that they're both retired.

[@BIGPOTHEAD]

Yo JJ & Tommyboy, This episode ranks among your best. Found Ray to be incredibly insightful and it's the first one of your drafts that kept me interested. Tim was actually pleasant! keep it up!

[@jamieldomasig]

Two of my most favorite shooters of all time. If I'm gonna create my "All Shooters Five Man Line up", these two will definitely be included.

[@TheAmeerHD]

I’m so excited to listen to this interview, Ray Allen is my favorite player of all time!💯

[@DDSTWO]

TREY-FOUR! Favorite player of all time. You couldn’t tell me I wasn’t him growing up 😂😂 those Sonics years were 🔥🔥🔥

[@riverdhadda3261]

i have always wanted to hear from ray allen on this podcast thank you jj this made my day so much better.

[@R2bball]

Love this one so far

[@Warfreak]

You gotta love Ray Allen's work ethic and philosophy of playing the game of basketball. This is why I root for him wherever he goes. That shooting for is so awesome too!

[@sydneydance]

25min in and I love this conversation already. Ray is so cool and articulate. JJ doing a great job these days 👏

[@jonathantulod900]

Ray is so articulate. You could see he is a self-reflective man. He thinks deep. Very insightful perspectives.

[@brianfarnsworth250]

This Allen interview and Mashburn's were excellent, thank you.

[@curtisgrindahl446]

What an awesome interview. Ray Allen is a real mensch. I'm amazed now many articulate, thoughtful athletes are on the scene. JJ is producing the finest content in the field. There is so much crap in sports commentary. Listening to JJ, to Tim Legler and to all these fine basketball players is a delight.

[@alastairchong4824]

Man Ray Allen is a great speaker, really insightful and has great stories. Also that 90s draft was hilarious 😂

[@Smith5410]

Great episode! Mid way through the idea of an episode of the Mind the Game Pod where you have Ray Allen and Rondo together with you and Lebron popped in my head and I can’t help but imagine how awesome that would be.

[@loganford1220]

I haven’t watched a full nba game this season and will still watch every episode for the quality of interviews

[@BuckMarley]

LOVE JJ mentioning Jimmy taking the JUCO route and making it to where he is today. HARD WORK and DEDICATION to your work brings you places. Mans making more history in a couple years on one time compared to other players entire careers 😂

[@bplayerr1]

What an eclectic interview!

[@posaune45]

This is one of the best episodes in a while. 🎉🎉🎉

[@kahverengi]

Most ecstasic moments for JJ. Great basketball and life lessons.

[@Lebronluver321]

I remember seeing ray allen at a Starbucks in Chicago before a playoff game in 2009. He was in his full warmup gear calm as can be. Was always my fav player on those celtics teams and a memory I’ll never forget, he signed my harry potter book lol

[@espectrodelayautja6320]

Great episode. Perfect. Ray is still my favorite player of all time. Him, Kobe, AI.

[@atm1live]

this episode with Ray Allen is truly an eye opener to what life is.

[@terrygoosedowning171]

Inspiring conversations. Thank you 🤘🤘

[@DanielPak831]

thank you ray and jj, needed this motivation

[@nickma1422]

Ray, thanks for 08 with the Celtics ❤

[@EliteSports24]

One of the best episodes in the old man and the 3 era

[@JC_973]

All time great podcast episode right here

[@SoulRBG]

Great listen! There are so many similarities in the Korver / JJ / Ray conversations about honing their craft and learning the nuance of the game.

[@datle4470]

Ray my fave all time player, his game was so smooth, i also remember watching he got game in theaters too so that might be part of it

[@brennanesposito827]

This is an all time pod. Two of the greatest shooters & minds the game has seen

[@OscarGonzales-lw1sp]

So many memories of Ray giving my lakers hell 😭 10 year old me was literally afraid.. much respect to a legend who was apart of the reason I started seriously watching the NBA

[@Sbock86]

Hey JJ. Excellent interview. Huge props dude.

[@giancarlopacheco6477]

Best podcast I’ve seen, would love to be a fly on the wall when these guys talk hoops

[@renegade4288]

Ray gives the best interviews

[@joehill1231]

I entered high school as Ray came to Boston. As a kid in the Boston area, I was out in the driveway practicing his shot form every single day. Legend.

[@kevinpankanin6222]

Most perfect form of any player

[@kevenwang9285]

Great insights! Ray has the most beautiful shooting form

[@mohammedali3128]

I will listen to this interview on days that I need motivation.

[@RelaxBV]

This video is absolutely incredible

[@MrsYvonneful]

For sure, one of the greatest shooters in NBA history! I don't follow sports, but Ray Allen!!! The best three-pointers that I have ever seen. And yes, I started keeping my eye on him after the movie 'He Got Game'. Don't judge me. lol

[@smokyx]

so much wisdom spilling out from this man

[@muhfknkwin1399]

From a maintainer, thank you for the cooks like Ray's mother! Best believe, I was *sprinting* to the flightline chow hall for some food between flights.

[@BillSellsRugs]

What a great interview. Ray Allen is the best

[@t99155]

Glad to see Ray Ray getting an interview....smh dideis hella underrated 💯🔥 clutch asf

[@bonganiofficial]

This was one hell of a basketball conversation !!

[@caseyaicher3050]

What a fascinating person Ray is. Great storyteller.

[@chrisburns8562]

This is so gold for us Sonics fans- thank you JJ

[@willgreig4077]

Fr Ray Allen was the Guy at a time where all other Seattle sports were at a All time low besides maybe the Seahawks

[@javiermacias1766]

The high IQ between both of them and how they break down the nuances. I like how they talk about coaching kids as well how they break down the game for them

[@elijahantonelli9626]

Ayyy that’s my favorite player of all time. What a great human being.

[@tzatziii]

this is pure gold

[@SH-fi8sn]

Ray Allen is such an impressive person. Killer bball player and so intelligent and thoughtful. Much respect!

[@MarioNotBros]

Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo were my favorite players growing up while they were on the Celtics. Loved the ep.

[@Ghofy]

Loving the podcast keep doing these

[@mindaugaszilinskas3940]

Thats why i started watching and liking basketball,mr Jesus Shutsleworth,my favorite all time