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Minnesota Timberwolves: 2017-18 player grades for Jamal Crawford

By Luke Askew

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 13: Jamal Crawford #11 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during the game against the Houston Rockets on February 13, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 13: Jamal Crawford #11 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during the game against the Houston Rockets on February 13, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Final grade

It’s tough to discern what grade Jamal Crawford should receive. There are a lot of things that factor into his final grade.

If you were to compare this season statistically with the rest of his NBA seasons, he would probably receive an F. It was one of the worst statistical seasons of his long career. However, if you look at the impact he had on the Wolves’ struggling bench and the leadership that he brought to the team with his veteran presence, his grade would be a lot better.

It seems unfair to grade him in his 18th season compared to how he played in his eighth season, so I won’t even bother. It’s a sheer respect thing when looking at one of the best ankle-breakers of all time.

All in all, I think Crawford had a good season for the Wolves. They managed to end their playoff drought this season and if you don’t think Crawford played a major role in that, I’d strongly urge you to reconsider. Whether it was his veteran presence throughout the season or his ability to step up when the star of the team (Jimmy Butler) went down with a knee injury during a critical stretch of the season, Crawford consistently delivered.

Jamal Crawford has earned himself the right to good grade this year. Was he an All-Star or Sixth Man of the Year candidate? No. But did he make a big difference on a playoff team? Yep.

Next: The 50 greatest NBA players of all time (updated, 2016-17)

Grade: B+

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