Dec
15
Jamal Crawford, Not Your Average Sixth Man
By sarahhecht Posted in: JamalCrawford
Ladies and gentleman, please give a warm Rip City welcome to Jamal Crawford!
Today the Trail Blazers
announced a deal to bring the 31-year-old NBA veteran to the Rose City. The free agent acquisition is a breath of fresh air for the organization following a tumultuous week.
Crawford, a 6-5 guard, has quite the NBA resume. After one season as a University of Michigan Wolverine he was selected 8th overall in the first round of the 2000 NBA Draft. Picked by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Crawford was immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls where he spent four seasons. The next seven years were split among the New York Knicks, the Golden State Warriors and the Atlanta Hawks. Now his NBA journey brings him to Portland.
Touted as “instant offense” off the bench, Crawford brings depth with a scoring punch. Check out this highlight reel, its got everything. Deep three-pointers, sweet ball handling, isolations and strong drives are all developed pieces in Crawford’s game.
The wily veteran boasts career averages of 15.4 ppg (41.0% FG, 35.0% 3PT, 84.6% FT,) 2.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists. He was the Sixth Man of the Year in 2009-2010 with Atlanta. Last season Crawford was second in the league in bench scoring at 14.2 ppg. He holds the NBA record for most career four-point plays at 33 and has scored 50 or more points three times. Not too shabby, huh?
Crawford’s career accomplishments fit impeccably with the needs of the Trail Blazers. The two-guard spot needed a bit of shoring up on the experience front and Crawford fits the bill perfectly behind starter Wesley Matthews. Perhaps the most important aspect he brings to the team is his scoring ability. Surrounded by a crew of strong defenders—ready to push the tempo according to head coach Nate McMillan—Crawford’s quickness off the break and speedy decision making will undoubtedly be an important offensive weapon.
As training camp comes to an end and the preseason begins, Crawford has a short 10-day window to assimilate into the Portland system. A feat the veteran will surely achieve.