NBA
Jamal Crawford Is Still A Free Agent, Future In NBA Uncertain
The offseason is winding down and training camp is approaching. Most valuable free agents have already signed with teams, and yet Jamal Crawford, the three time 6th Man of the Year, is still a free agent. The man who is the NBA’s closest player to a streetball player since Rafer “Skip to My Lou” Alston was in the league. Tricky passes, impossible shots that drop in, and dribbling moves that break ankles as well as hearts of the opponents best defender.
Crawford just won last year’s Teammate of the Year award, which makes players around the league confused why GM’s and coaches haven’t signed him. He is the definition of a professional player. He may have had a bit of a down year last year, but that was mainly because he was on a Tom Thibodeau squad where the bench played a very limited role. It’s slightly unfair to judge him on his performance last year. When he was on court, he was just hoisting up his shot. Being a scorer though that has always been his game.
What Kind of Teams Would Want Him
Crawford has been in the league now for 18 seasons. He knows the ins and outs of the league. He’s very valuable to pretty much every team. Developing teams like the Sacramento Kings could use him as a veteran presence in the locker room and could mentor young players. Contending teams like the Boston Celtics or Houston Rockets could use him to help win a championship. Teams like the Denver Nuggets or the Washington Wizards hunting for playoff berths could use him for instant offense.
This is limbo time for Crawford. He could go get that ring that many feel he deserves. Crawford is a man that has a good image in the NBA. He is at a steep NBA age at 38, but being a gym rat for his entire life, he shows no signs of slowing down. Give him the chance and he could make an impact again. Hopefully this isn’t the last we see J-Crossover.
