As the Philadelphia 76ers’ 2018 offseason continues to wind down, star point guard Ben Simmons isn’t finished recruiting talent.
Ben Simmons wants Jamal Crawford to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
In between NBA 2K19’s launch last night, Simmons told Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson of Scoop B Radio that Crawford “needs to come through,” pushing for the 38-year-old shooting guard to join the 76ers.
Robinson also spoke with Crawford earlier this month, who is already enamored with the idea of playing on the team this season.
"“I think for me, especially being out there as a free agent, something could work out,” Crawford told Robinson. “I would be honored to play there, but things obviously have to take its course and I kind of got to sit back, but who wouldn’t want to play there?”"
The three-time Sixth Man of the Year winner spoke highly of the organization, as well as a few of its particular assets.
"“I’ve always loved coach Brett Brown. I’ve been on record. I’ve been a fan of his for years. He just needed talent, and now he has that. He added Ben Simmons, I love his game. I love [Joel Embiid]. They’re both among my favorite players in the league to watch. Markelle [Fultz] is like a little brother to me. Obviously, he went to the University of Washington, and we talk every other day. J.J. Redick is like a brother to me. We’ve been through wars together, so there’s so many things to love about Philadelphia for sure.”"
Crawford has been searching for a new destination since declining his 2018-19 player option with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Last season, he averaged just 10.3 points, 2.3 assists and 1.2 rebounds per game — his lowest scoring average since his second NBA season, back in 2001-02.
The Timberwolves only played him 20 minutes a game last season, signaling that he is now looking for a more vital role on another roster. Philly could potentially be the spot for him.
The Sixers could potentially be more interested in Crawford since losing their 2018 first round draft selection, Zhaire Smith, to a Jones fracture injury. They also already have 18 players on the current roster, seven of those being guards.
The team has been searching for another viable off-the-bench scoring weapon in place of Marco Belinelli, who gave the Sixers a dramatic boost toward the end of last season that has left some big shoes to fill.
Belinelli averaged 13.6 points per game, shot 49.5 percent from the field and maintained a 38.5 percentage from downtown in only 28 games with the team. He also aided in one of the greatest winning streaks in franchise history, not to mention an emotional first round playoff series victory.
Crawford may be capable of stepping in those shoes, if presented with the right opportunity. He will need to show improvement on both ends of the court if he wants to attain his desired usage this season.
Despite a frustrating stint in Minnesota, he could become the right piece in Philly if the team is willing to clear out the roster spot necessary to welcome him with open arms. Ben Simmons is clearly on board.