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Is Jamal Crawford the missing piece for the Portland Trail Blazers?

By Isaac Baker

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 13: Jamal Crawford #11 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz on March 13, 2019 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 13: Jamal Crawford #11 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz on March 13, 2019 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Portland Trail Blazers have an limited time opportunity to pick up some more veteran experience in the form of Jamal Crawford.

There is no question that Jamal Crawford is one of the best offensive talents we have seen in the NBA. Unbelievably, Crawford has yet to sign with a team this offseason. Almost every team in the NBA could use his skills and experience on and off the court. With a lack of skilled ball handlers off the bench, the Portland Trail Blazers would benefit greatly by adding him to the roster.

Is Jamal Crawford still a serviceable guard in the NBA? The answer is yes.

Everybody knows what Jamal Crawford used to be. Crawford is a three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year award winner and even was awarded best teammate in 2018. Jamal has averaged 14.6 points per game and 3.4 assists per game in his 19 seasons the league. Last season, Crawford averaged 7.9 points while playing in 64 of those games. Not amazing, but Jamal played in a crowded backcourt in Phoenix. With Portland, Crawford would have more opportunities and more than likely averaged at least 10 points per game.

Now, Jamal Crawford doesn’t sound too appealing in the regular season due to his old age and risk of injury. In the playoffs however, he would be a difference-make off the bench. In Crawford’s 19 seasons, he has made the playoffs 8 times. Averaging 14.3 points per game in the playoffs, while shooting 38 percent from the field.

Jamal Crawford backing up Damian Lillard in the playoffs might be the missing piece to winning the Western Conference in this upcoming season. Lillard averaged 40 minutes per game last season in the playoffs. Overworking Dame in two competitive playoff series is what likely led to his body breaking down in the Western Conference Finals.

So, asking Jamal Crawford to come in and log 8 or more minutes per game is going to be a mutually beneficial decision for everyone involved. Not many players in the NBA can be effective in only 8 minutes, but Crawford can. He is one of the best, if not THE best, players to have ever play off the bench.

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Crawford has the ability to completely crush an opposing team’s momentum as soon as he touches the ball. Adding a little bit of extra depth to spark the bench and mentor the young core could be crucial to winning a championship.