The Golden State Warriors could use another scorer off the bench, and Jamal Crawford will be available on the free agency market.
Could the Golden State Warriors bring Jamal Crawford back to the Bay Area? If they have the opportunity, I think they most certainly should explore the possibility.
I mean, many of you guys may not know or remember, but J-Crossover was the highlight of many losing nights back during the 2008-2009 NBA regular season. He played and started in 54 games with the Dubs after being traded from the New York Knicks, averaging 19.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 0.9 steals in 38.6 minutes.
In Don Nelson‘s run-and-gun offense, Crawford’s shooting ability, court vision and legendary handles made him the perfect fit. He was, however, later traded to the Atlanta Hawks for Acie Law (and a washed Speedy Claxton), seemingly continuing the Warriors curse by growing into a viable Sixth Man of the Year candidate for the rest of his career.
The Dubs ended up drafting a guy named Stephen Curry that same summer to fill the role left vacant by Crawford. Curry would unfortunately never become a Sixth Man of the Year candidate before hitting 30 years of age, suffering through a number of debilitating ankle injuries and multiple fourth quarters on the bench due to Keith Smart‘s unwarranted trust in Acie Law!!!
Getting back on topic, there’s absolutely no doubt Crawford will retire with the reputation was of the purest bucket-getters to ever grace the NBA hardwood. Even at 38 years of age, Crawford still makes scoring looks easier than breathing, averaging 10.3 points in 20.7 minutes this past season with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
He had the option to stay with the Wolves for another year, instead opting out of a guaranteed $4.5 million to test the waters of free agency.
He won’t add anything defensively to Golden State’s system, but his scoring ability off the bench is second to none. The Warriors had a great deal of trouble finding offense in the second unit, and Crawford would immediately alleviate that problem.
In addition, Crawford would allow the Warriors more flexibility in the upcoming draft. Rather than needing to pick up a secondary ball handler like Jalen Brunson, Elie Okobo, Donte DiVincenzo or Troy Brown Jr., Golden State would feel much more comfortable drafting a 3-and-D player like Josh Okogie, Rawle Alkins or Melvin Frazier.
On the other hand, Crawford had the opportunity to join the Warriors (or LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers) last summer, as well, but chose to take the more difficult route to the playoffs by joining Minny. From NBC Sports Bay Area:
"“The [Timberwolves] showed they were serious, trying to get things done right away. I felt like the time is right. I felt like I could fit. At this point of my career, I could easily chase a championship. I’m not saying we won’t compete, but it’s not about that. I want to take the journey and go through the wars with these guys. The Cavs, they’ve been there. Those guys know what it’s like to be in the Finals and win a championship. The Warriors, same deal. If I went there and let’s say we happen to win, what’s next? Sometimes it’s more gratifying to help teams go from one point to another point,” Crawford said.“That’s the challenge. That’s what so fun about it. What if you went to the movies and knew how it ended when the movie started? It’s exciting because nobody really knows what we can be,” Crawford continued.”"
Whether Crawford feels the same way heading into his 19th year in the league remains to be seen, but an NBA title is the one and only thing worthy enough of capping off such a storied career.
Next: Warriors Free Agency Target: Rudy Gay
And with LeBron’s future in Cleveland still up in the air, the Warriors are the only sure-fire team to make the 2019 Finals. Hopefully Crawford makes the right decision for his legacy and joins on for the three-peat.