NBA: 3 contenders that should consider signing Jamal Crawford
By Dalton Sell
Jamal Crawford could be a significant threat for opposing teams in the upcoming NBA Playoffs, and several contending teams should consider the veteran.
Editor’s note: Several inaccurate bench scoring stats were edited to reflect the correct numbers.
The last time Jamal Crawford played a professional NBA game, he had just scored 51 points and surpassed Michael Jordan‘s record for the oldest player to achieve such a feat at 39-years-old. The former member of the Phoenix Suns went unsigned this past free agency and has stated multiple times that he has prepared himself for a call to return from a team all season.
Speaking to ESPN, Crawford elaborated by saying,
"“I’ve been training as if I’m playing. I work out every single day. I was working out today, actually, and I’ve always loved it. I know I can help, in some regards, in some capacity.”"
If the current NBA season were to resume at some point soon, several contending teams should pick up the phone and give the three-time Sixth Man of the Year a call.
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Crawford did not precisely play at the highest level last season as he averaged 7.9 points and 3.6 assists per game, his first season having not averaged double-digit scoring since 2001-02. Still, the seasoned veteran can go off for double-figures on any night, as showcased with his 51-point game on the last night of the regular season last year.
The guard turned 40 years old in March of this year, but if he still believes he can contribute to a team looking to win now, somebody should pull the trigger for the postseason. For a team looking for an explosive spark off the bench that could potentially give them double-figure scoring every night, there is no better option on the market right now than Jamal Crawford.
Many were likely discouraged in signing Crawford because he recently turned 40, but for a team in need of scoring for a championship run, he could be of significant help. With that, here are three contending teams that should look into signing Crawford to bolster their bench.