Honorable Mention: Jamal Crawford, UFA
2015-16 Team: Los Angeles Clippers
Age: 36 (3/20/1980)
Slash Line: .404/.340/.904
Season Averages: 26.9 MPG, 14.2 PPG, 2.3 APG, 1.8 RPG, 0.7 SPG, 1.5 3PM
Jamal Crawford won Sixth Man of the Year in 2016. Whether or not he should’ve received the award can be debated, but there’s no question that Crawford played a critical role in the Los Angeles Clippers surviving Blake Griffin‘s 47-game injury absence.
Crawford wouldn’t be the starting shooting guard in 2015-16, but he’d certainly fit Jeff Hornacek’s offensive system.
If Crawford comes in to play the role of a sixth man, he could help solidify the New York Knicks’ faulty offense. New York was desperate for a viable scoring threat off the bench in 2015-16, and Crawfoed is nothing if not that.
It’s also worth noting that Crawford is already playing the role of mentor to Tony Wroten, who’s expected to be with the Knicks for the 2016-17 season.
Crawford can be polarizing due to his volume shooting, but that’s been his role in Los Angeles. He’s a very affordable player who comes in and shoots at will, per the coach’s direction, and is regarded as one of the best teammates in the NBA.
Crawford is loved by his peers and feared by opposing defenders, and that makes him worthy of an honorable mention.
Next: Turning a Corner?