The NBA Draft is a stressful time for teams, especially those in the lower rankings. History has shown that picking the right player can change a franchise’s fortunes, turning it from a perennial doormat to a global powerhouse. However, it’s not always easy to predict which player will become a star and which will fade into obscurity.
As tense as these times are for scouts and decision-makers, the same can be said for the draftees. Between attending pre-draft workouts and speaking with various teams, players must navigate the pressure of uncertainty.
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For Ray Allen, then a standout of the UConn Huskies, he certainly carried this burden on that fateful night in June 1996. Although that draft class was considered one of the deepest the league has had, Allen knew he had a shot at being picked in the top five and possibly by a team where he could best showcase his talents.
However, when he heard his name called by commissioner David Stern — he was selected fifth by the Minnesota Timberwolves — Allen’s initial reaction was one of utter confusion.
Ray thought he was going to the Celtics
Before the draft, Allen received a call from M.L. Carr and Red Auerbach, who told him the Boston Celtics would scoop him up if he fell to the sixth spot. After the Milwaukee Bucks picked Stephon Marbury, Ray’s hopes of donning the Irish green glimmered, since he believed Minnesota wouldn’t get him, as they already had talented wingman J.R. Rider on their roster.
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He was dead wrong.
“So bam, Minnesota is on the clock and the cameras come over to my table,” Allen recalled. “And I was so confused. I couldn’t believe what was happening. I was angry. Why would you pick me and you got J.R. Rider already on your roster?”
In his second season in the league, Rider had a breakthrough season for the Timberwolves, averaging 19.6 points. He took more than 16 shots and played 34 minutes a night. Those numbers meant that Allen wouldn’t be seeing a lot of the court or taking many shots.
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“I’m having a conversation with people from Minnesota, their local news station, and I’m over here filibustering on what it’s gonna be like with J.R. Rider,” he admitted.
The trade happened
Moments later, Allen’s spirits lifted when he learned the Wolves were trading him to the Bucks for Marbury. With Milwaukee needing a prolific shooting guard, he filled the spot and started all but one game. He averaged 13.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists and would later become an All-Star and an MVP candidate in his seven seasons in Wisconsin.
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What Allen went through during draft day also opened his eyes to many things that casual NBA fans aren’t privy to.
“When I look back on that draft class, I just remember one of the things that stood out to me the most was how much I had no clue what was taking place. I didn’t know about trades, I didn’t know about manipulating your position,” Ray said.
He also lamented having to earn $200,000 less than Marbury since he was selected a spot lower than him.
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“To this day, I tell Stephon that he owes me 200 grand, because that was the difference in salary from the fourth to the fifth pick,” Allen shared with a laugh.
The NBA Draft changes many lives, especially when a player lands in an ideal spot. At the same time, it’s also a rollercoaster of emotions and uncertainty for those involved. Allen experienced it firsthand.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the Old School section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.