NBA: 4 free agency targets worth taking a chance on for the playoff push
By Kyle Craib
Jamal Crawford
The NBA needs “J-Crossover” again.
Last playing with the Phoenix Suns in the 2018-19 season, Jamal Crawford has made it clear that he is not retired and believes that he can be a role player for a contending team. Crawford’s 19 years of NBA experience would be an asset for any squad in need of veteran leadership and could help to guide a young NBA roster.
During his time with the Suns last year, Crawford experienced a down year in production; an expected decline with his age. The three-time Sixth Man of the Year averaged 7.9 points and 3.6 assists per game in 2018-19 while playing just under 19 minutes a game. Since 2015-16, his points per game numbers have dropped steadily by two each year.
Despite the drop, Crawford has proven himself even in the latter stages of his prestigious career. Even during last season, the crafty guard became the first player to score 50 points on four separate teams, finishing the quartet on April 9, 2019, with the Suns. Crawford’s performance also earned him the honor of becoming the oldest player to ever score 50 in a game.
As the season keeps winding down, look for teams in contention to take a look at Crawford to be that “x-factor” to help get over the hump, with a heavy diet of crossovers.