Pro: Saving The Second Unit
Though he’s 36 years of age, Jamal Crawford remains one of the most productive guards in the NBA. Both in his actual numbers and his per 36 averages, Crawford has proven to be a lethal scorer in the role of sixth man.
For a New York Knicks team that’s in dire need of an improved second unit, Crawford’s presence could be invaluable.
Over the past four seasons, Crawford has averaged 16.2 points in 28.3 minutes of action per game. That translates to a per 36 average of 20.6 points, which includes a strong mark of 19.0 points per 36 minutes in 2015-16.
Crawford has never been an efficient scorer, but his role has been to shoot at will, and he’s done exactly what’s been asked of him.
The Knicks’ second unit was solid in 2015-16, and it isn’t terribly far from being one of the best in the NBA. The issue, however, is that no one was selected to fill the role of sixth man, thus making it a group without a leader.
Crawford can be the leader in 2016-17, thus creating a strong enough second unit to support the starting lineup.
Next: Con