I think if you asked nationwide the answer would be Ray Allen.
Around here, where we've seen Paul his whole career...it's not surprising if Paul was the obvious choice.
Based on statistical production, Pierce has the edge.
Based on efficiency, Ray Allen has the edge.
It's very close.
I would have to go with Ray because he was on more talented teams which hurt his production compared to Pierce who had the benefit of being "a great player on some bad teams."
How is ray more efficient? PP scores more on less shots and draws many more fouls which makes everyone more likely to score from the line?
His percentages are better from 2 and 3 but if you took out the O'brien chuck it and get back on d two years - PP is .385% from 3 and closer to 47% from field.
PP is a better defender, rebounder and a more versatile scorer. Ray has to be happy "just" being one of the 5 greatest shooters ever
Paul has a much higher Usage Rate than Ray, 28.1 to 24.9 which one can infer the more the ball is in Paul's hands, the more chances he can score or get to the FT line.
Also, Ray's game isn't getting to the line since his strength is shooting.
But because Ray's a shooter it makes his high True Shooting % and eFG% that much more impressive. Ray's are about 10 points higher TS% than Paul and 30 points higher for eFG%.
Ray's also about 10% better at the FT line compared to Paul.
Both have very good mid range game, but the obvious better shooter is Ray.
Paul is the better scorer, no doubt. Paul is the better passer and rebound as well.
It's really tough to compare the rebounds though with a SF and SG.
I will say that if the ball was in Ray's hand as much as it was in Paul's...they'd have about the same assists totals. But because Ray has played with some pretty decent to very good PG's & ball handlers in his career (Sam Cassell, Luke Rindour, Earl Watson, Brent Barry).
Who did Paul get to play with? (Antoine Walker, Kenny Anderson past his prime; Gary Payton over the hill; J.R. Bremer, Milt Palacio, Mike James?)
The lack of talent Paul had on his team did contribute to his lower efficiency though. So, can take that into consideration as well.
It's really not as easy a decision to make, choosing the two careers.