Jamal Crawford could be shipping up to Boston.
According to Jared Weiss of the Athletic, there is apparently mutual interest between the 38-year old and the Boston Celtics. The Celtics don’t currently have a roster spot available. However, with the recent fiasco around Jabari Bird, Bird is expected to be released from the roster at some point in the near future. This leaves the door open for the team to sign the 3-time Sixth Man of the Year, likely for a one year contract.
According to @JaredWeissNBA, there's "mutual interest" between #Celtics and 18-year #NBA vet Jamal Crawford. He wants to join a title-winner. and C's could certainly use more 3-PT shooting.
Check out the latest #CelticsBeat, with guest host @EvanValenti: https://t.co/IDheeuzqv4
— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) September 17, 2018
Crawford has had an illustrious career, spanning across eighteen seasons and seven teams. He spent most of his time with the Clippers and the Knicks, being with both for five seasons. Crawford also spent four years with the Bulls, two years with the Hawks, and one season each with Portland, Golden State, and most recently Minnesota. Crawford has produced a stat line of 15 points and 3.4 assists per game over the course of his career. While he only shoots 41% from the field, “JCrossover” is a 35% career three point shooter.
His Fit
The fit with the Celtics is clear. Crawford can become a solid shooting specialist off of the bench. Crawford proved last year with the Timberwolves that he’s still got it, even in the twilight of his career. In 20 minutes per game last year, he averaged 10.3 PPG off the bench for Minnesota. Though his defense is lacking, he would provide an offensive spark that was missing from the second unit last year.
Crawford would also be another veteran presence in the Celtics locker room. Boston is a very young team, and he would join Horford as one of the older players on the team. With a litany of developing guards, Crawford could serve as a useful mentor for the younger players.
If Boston is able to get a deal done, Crawford would be a valuable addition to the team. He would make an already deep squad even deeper if he ends up replacing Bird on the roster. Though he’s nearing the end of his career, he wants to get one more ring, and Boston could end up being the place for him to win one.