It has been a debate that has entrenched social media — some would claim it’s not a debate at all — for much of the long and weary off-season, as well as the first week of regulation play of the 2012-2013 season.
Jason Terry or Ray Allen?
First and foremost, both players are phenomenal on the teams they are presently on. Ray Allen didn’t seem to care for his regulated bench role, but that’s something former Sixth Man of the Year Jason Terry has experience in. Adversely, Ray Allen is the perfect fit for the Miami Heat as an added offensive option and another player that will cripple opponents defenses.
Knowing that, at this very moment, who would you choose?
Ray Allen has an expansive career, averaging 20 points on 45.3% shooting, 40.1% from three, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, versus Jason Terry’s career of 16.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists.
It’s not even a debatable about shooting because as far as that goes the title of better shooter goes to Ray Allen, from the field and — obviously — the three-point line as well as being an above average passer.
However, Jason Terry is accustomed to coming off of the bench in an energetic fashion. If we look at the past five years, Terry was averaging 17 points per game. In 2007-2008, when Terry made the transition from starter to sixth man, he hit his lowest average of 15.5 points per game, but went uphill from there; boasting a high of 19.6 points the following season off the bench.
This isn’t Ray Allen’s fault, though, as an ankle injury would give him to a bench role. It’s been documented that he wasn’t pleased with his role — or being trade bait — in Boston, but it’s something to factor in when consider which is the better player off the bench.
Ray Allen is most notable for being a killer three-point shooter as well as working off-screens and Allen’s name comes to mind when you think of a shooting guard, but if you are a team owner and looking for an exquisite and energetic sixth man, Jason Terry might be the guy.
Terry is more of an all-around player, as well as being a sharp shooter on top of handling the ball well and defending, but just like Allen, his age is starting to show.
If you want someone who just wants to shoot three’s, Allen would be your guy, but it’s safe to suggest if you want a more explosive option — on both ends of the court — Jason Terry is your guy.
Perhaps, another way to settle this would be to ask yourself this question: “Who wouldn’t you want to be left open on the perimeter?”
Either guy can shoot from deep, but there’s one name that sticks out a bit more than the other and I will give you my answer a la video:
