Knicks: Pending Free Agents to Monitor Until Season’s End
8. Jamal Crawford, Los Angeles Clippers
Position: Guard
Age: 36
Slash Line: .397/.324/.909
Season Averages: 26.8 MPG, 13.7 PPG, 2.2 APG, 1.8 RPG, 1.3 3PM
Jamal Crawford is a two-time Sixth Man of the Year who, in 2015-16, is making a very compelling case for a third award. He’s paid to score and leave the rest to his teammates, and his ability to do so has helped the Los Angeles Clippers become one of the most consistent contenders in the Western Conference.
Crawford has also assumed the role of mentor to the New York Knicks’ most recent signing: Tony Wroten.
Knicks fans may appreciate this: two of Tony Wroten's mentors are ex-Knicks Jamal Crawford and Nate Robinson. pic.twitter.com/OroiE2ppkZ
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) March 22, 2016
Crawford has played in New York before, and if nothing else, that experience could prove valuable in helping Wroten adjust.
Crawford can mentor Wroten from a distance, as well as during summer workouts in their shared hometown of Seattle, Washington. One simply can’t help but be intrigued by the possibility of Crawford having a more hands-on approach with the Knicks.
Not only would he provide a necessary offensive spark off the bench, but the 36-year-old could help groom Wroten into the player he’s capable of becoming.
Crawford is unlikely to be at the top of Phil Jackson’s wish list, but it’d be naive to completely overlook him as a potential option in free agency. He’d immediately elevate the quality of the second unit, and would provide Carmelo Anthony with a veteran option to defer to for scoring.
If Crawford is available for an affordable cost, he’d be a smart signing to lead the second unit on a short-term deal.
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