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Dime: Can you talk a little bit about that first-round series against the Spurs? Was that by far the best playoff series you’ve ever been a part of?

Jamal Crawford: Yeah, for sure. I think the Spurs are the best team I’ve ever played against, in all my years in the NBA. So disciplined. You make a mistake, they’re gonna make you pay. And they force you into mistakes, as well. They’re well-coached, obviously. Pop is the best. They keep everybody on guard. Your man may not shoot for two quarters, and then they run a play for him out of a timeout.

In terms of the Clippers’ offseason acquisitions… bringing in Lance Stephenson and Josh Smith, who you also played with in Atlanta, talk a little bit about Lance. He obviously had a rocky season in Charlotte. You guys play the same position. Are you looking to play sort of the veteran, elder statesmen role and help him get back on track, maybe find a certain level of maturity that’s been lacking?

JC: He’s a talent, and he’s been talented pretty much his whole life. And sometimes, the thing that’s funny about the NBA is systems. It’s just being in the right system, and being the right fit at the right time. You know, last year obviously wasn’t his best year, but he had some really good years in Indiana. So, I think if we can make him feel comfortable, getting him playing to his strengths, I think it’ll make the transition a lot easier.

What’s next for you? Coaching? Broadcasting? Something completely different?

JC: It’ll be around basketball. I’m not sure. I don’t think I wanna be coaching at this level. I think I’d rather be in the front office. I can watch basketball all day. I know talent and putting teams together. I think that’d be fun for me.

Jamie Cooper, Dime Magazine