On Friday, Sept. 7, Reggie Miller was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Miller, who retired in 2005, spent all 18 years of his professional basketball career playing for the Indiana Pacers. He was the all-time NBA leader in three-point field goals made (2,560) until Feb. 10, 2011, when Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics surpassed his record. 

Loyalty

Miller, also known as Mr. Clutch, didn’t need a ring to become known as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. As former Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle pointed out, “Miller had an unusual greatness in so many ways.” Miller was fearless on and off the court, always prepared to speak his mind or take that risky three. Ironically, Miller didn’t take any risk when it came to leaving the Pacers. Miller started and ended his career with the Indiana Pacers being a part of the team for 18 years. His dedication led the team to a number of playoff games and one trip to the NBA finals.  

“I hope what people remember is that I had the chance to play 18 years with one organization. If anything, I hope people understand that you can be just as successful in a small market as you can in New York or LA or Chicago. I wouldn’t trade those 18 years for anything.” – Reggie Miller

In early July, Allen decided to leave the Boston Celtics to play for the Miami Heat. Boston offered Allen a two-year contract for $12 million, but he turned down the opportunity to remain with the team with which he won his first and only championship. Instead, he signed a three-year contract with the rival Miami Heat for $9 million. Allen’s decision was due to many factors, one involving his teammate Rajon Rondo. Rondo’s five-year extension for $55 million during the 2009-10 season stirred some talk about Allen’s inevitable trade. In addition, Rondo’s age and quickness led to competition between the two. Even though no trades went through, two seasons later, Allen’s desire to be on top again with a championship team was apparent, therefore his decision to take the deal with the Heat.

Personality

When it comes down to personality, Reggie Miller and Ray Allen are polar opposites.

We can all agree Miller was one of the biggest and most aggressive trash-talkers during his time in the NBA. His choking gestures, his accidental bumps and let’s not forget his theatrical talents or his ongoing friction with film director Spike Lee. Miller was able to get under his opponent’s skin with his words, which was evident during Game 3 of the 1993 playoffs when Knicks guard John Starks head-butted Miller after an exchange of words. Miller was conceited when it came to his talents. Bowing to the audience and dancing around the court were a few things he did to attract attention. He knew how great he was and made sure everyone knew it, as well.

On the other hand, Ray Allen is considered to be one of the most humble players in the NBA. Everyone knows how great he is, but unlike Miller, he has never gone out of his way to flaunt it. If you’ve watched him during any game you can tell how hard he tries to tune out the cheers from the crowd and focus on the game no matter what the situation. His modesty has made him one of the most respectable players in the game. Right after breaking Miller’s record in 2011, the first thing he did before even acknowledging the cheers of the audience around him, was to greet him with a hug as a form of respect. 

Both players are worthy of being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In spite of the fact that Miller never won a ring and was considered one of the biggest trash-talkers in the NBA, he still made it into the Hall of Fame easily. As for Ray Allen, although he created quite a commotion early this summer in Boston with his shocking decision to play for the Heat, his incredible talents will grant him the great honor of Hall of Fame induction.

Fans will always remember Allen as a humble and restrained player who showed great respect towards others. While Miller will forever be known as the loudmouthed, arrogant player who made it an obligation to have everyone know that he was the best. They were two of the best shooters of all-time, and they could not have been more different. The only other trait they shared? Sheer dedication and drive when it came to being the very best in the game.