ESPN REPORT: Reggie Miller Named Greatest of All Time in NBA History, Beating Barkley, Westbrook, Mourning, and Ewing
By [Author Name]
Published: July 3, 2025
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In what has become one of the most controversial yet thrilling moments in basketball history, ESPN has officially named Indiana Pacers icon Reggie Miller as the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) in NBA history, stunning fans and experts alike. The announcement, released as part of a month-long ESPN special documentary series titled “Legends Among Us”, saw Miller crowned the top name in a list that featured elite legends such as Charles Barkley (Phoenix Suns), Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder), Alonzo Mourning (Charlotte Hornets), and Patrick Ewing (New York Knicks).
Reggie Miller—a player often praised for his killer instinct, unmatched clutch performances, and undying loyalty to the Indiana Pacers—has long been recognized as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. But this new title? It’s a whole new level.
The Shocking Announcement
ESPN’s decision came after an exhaustive review involving statistical analytics, historical impact, legacy contributions, and fan polling across multiple platforms. The series, which sought to highlight underrated but transformational players, took a bold route: instead of recycling the usual GOAT narrative centered on names like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, it focused on players who often stood just outside the GOAT debate, yet profoundly changed the sport.
To the surprise of many, Reggie Miller emerged as the fan-favorite and analytical standout, beating out some of the NBA’s most electrifying players.
“This wasn’t just about stats. This was about influence. Culture. Loyalty. Clutch gene. Grit. Reggie Miller embodied all of that for nearly two decades,” said ESPN analyst Jay Williams during the final episode of Legends Among Us.
The Case for Reggie Miller
Reggie Miller spent his entire 18-year career with the Indiana Pacers, a rarity in modern sports. Drafted 11th overall in the 1987 NBA Draft, he quickly became the face of the franchise and led the Pacers to consistent playoff contention throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
While Miller never won an NBA championship, his legacy has never been about rings—it’s been about loyalty, leadership, and delivering when it mattered most.
25,279 career points, all for the Pacers.
Retired as the NBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers made (before being passed by Ray Allen and later Stephen Curry).
Five-time All-Star, and the heart and soul of the Pacers for nearly two decades.
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
Known for arguably the most iconic clutch moment in NBA playoff history: “8 points in 9 seconds” against the New York Knicks in the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals.
But beyond the numbers and accolades, Miller’s impact can be felt in how he redefined what it meant to be a perimeter player in the NBA. In an era dominated by big men, Miller carved out a role as a sharpshooter who could win games from beyond the arc—and who welcomed pressure like it was oxygen.
The Rivals He Beat Out
Miller’s victory came at the expense of other legendary players, each with compelling legacies of their own.
Charles Barkley (Phoenix Suns)
Known for his dominant rebounding and forceful personality, Barkley was an MVP and one of the best power forwards in history. Despite his brilliance on the court, Barkley’s failure to secure a championship and his short tenure with multiple teams may have weakened his case in the eyes of voters seeking loyalty and long-term franchise impact.
Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Westbrook’s triple-double seasons and MVP run in 2017 etched his name in history. However, critics often point to inefficiency, playoff struggles, and his journeyman status in the latter half of his career. Still, his competitive fire and loyalty to Oklahoma City in his early years made him a strong contender.
Alonzo Mourning (Charlotte Hornets)
Mourning’s toughness and defensive prowess were hallmarks of his career. A two-time Defensive Player of the Year and eventual NBA champion with Miami, Mourning’s influence began with the Hornets, where he formed one of the league’s most feared duos with Larry Johnson. However, injuries and team changes limited his legacy with a single franchise.
Patrick Ewing (New York Knicks)
A cornerstone of 1990s basketball and the face of the Knicks for over a decade, Ewing was a dominant center who brought New York back to relevance. Despite his incredible numbers and playoff battles, especially against Miller himself, Ewing never quite captured the ring—and
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