Warren2ThaG Posted December 15, 2011 Report Share Posted December 15, 2011 http://ambasketball.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/nba_g_crawford_286.jpgThe Portland Trail Blazers could soon bring in guard Jamal Crawford to improve the depth on the bench. He could provide the team with an offensive lift when Wesley Matthews is resting, and possibly even give the Blazers another player that will run with new point guard Raymond Felton. Crawford just ruled out playing for the New York Knicks , leaving the Blazers and the Sacramento Kings as the last two suitors with a chance at signing him. The Kings can offer a bit more money though, and have extended a $6.5 million contract that could entice Crawford. The Blazers could only offer the $5 million mid-level exception, with the hope that he would rather come play for a team that just made the playoffs and could do it again. It would also put him closer to home, as Crawford calls Seattle home during the offseason. Last season, Crawford played for the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 14.2 points and 3.2 assists off the bench. His statistics were down from the 2009-10 season when he got named the Sixth Man of the Year with averages of 18 points and 3 assists per game. He provided a lot of spark for the Hawks and that could become his new role with the Blazers as well. What he brings to the table is a lot of quickness, the ability to handle the ball well without committing too many turnovers, and the nice ability to light up the scoreboard in chunks. The best thing about Crawford is that he doesn't mind coming off the bench, so he could get teamed with Nicolas Batum and Nolan Smith as a really energetic threesome that could give the starters a longer rest. That could become very necessary in the way the 2011-12 season plays out, and Crawford's minutes could easily increase if someone were to get injured. With Rudy Fernandez getting traded and Brandon Roy deciding to retire, the Blazers have to find some more offense from the guard position off the bench, and Crawford seems like a really nice fit. There is really no risk to bringing in Crawford, especially because it is just a one-year deal, and the upside is limitless if he can become a 30-minute per night guy with the second unit.----------http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ycn-10683233 Blazers or Kings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blazed49 Posted December 15, 2011 Report Share Posted December 15, 2011 We got him http://m.espn.go.com/nba/story?storyId=7356504 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warren2ThaG Posted December 15, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 15, 2011 We got him http://m.espn.go.com/nba/story?storyId=7356504 are u excited Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blazed49 Posted December 15, 2011 Report Share Posted December 15, 2011 Very. We haven't had a spark like him off the bench in a minute. Glad to have him aboard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Feelgood Posted December 15, 2011 Report Share Posted December 15, 2011 Talk about depth....Nolan Smith, JCraw, Batum off the bench...I like it a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owner Real Deal Posted December 16, 2011 Owner Report Share Posted December 16, 2011 I'll go ahead and change the topic title. Chris_Broussard Chris Broussard Confirmed, 2 yrs, $10 million, player option for 2nd yr RT @sam_amick: Jamal Crawford has chosen Portland, according to two sources. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
headliner Posted December 16, 2011 Report Share Posted December 16, 2011 Its a good pick up by the blazers as long they allow him to do what he does best which is score he should fit in great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.