The Amazing Sucky Jordan Crawford Thread

[nate33]

I was never fooled by him. His wildly inefficient game was a huge question mark for me and I maintained that he needed to improve dramatically before he could be considered a decent player.

[GhostsOfGil]

I was never fooled by him. His wildly inefficient game was a huge question mark for me and I maintained that he needed to improve dramatically before he could be considered a decent player.

Your 100% right but he showed a lot more potential last year because he seemed to have a more well rounded game. His shot selection was still poor but he rebounded well and showed the ability to play the point.

[Dat2U]

I'm getting whiplash watching people change opinions on a player. Wasn't it just this summer that Crawford was going to take over the starting job and make Nick Young expendable? Didn't he have a "special spark" in his play that overrode any concerns about pedestrian considerations like efficiency?

For me that had nothing to do with Crawford's performance and everything to do with not wanting to pay Nick Young long term.

Honestly I saw Crawford as a potential backup PG. I thought last year he played pretty well W/O Wall because the offense ran through him. But this season, he's gone all 'Mike James' on us. I guess the MJ comments this summer was a precursor of things to come.

I'm definitely ready to move on and would trade him to anyone that takes him.

[Zonkerbl]

This year we've seen little flashes of what the Zards look like when they share the ball and play as a team. Last year we didn't see that at all. So when Crawford's play brings the offense to a crushing halt by flinging up the ball the first time he touches it -- yeah, now we're seeing how that's a problem.

Personally I was assuming that once the offense got more organized Crawford would have to reign it in a little, and he hasn't.

But now that Young is starting, what's the excuse for not playing as a team?

[Nivek]

I was never fooled by him. His wildly inefficient game was a huge question mark for me and I maintained that he needed to improve dramatically before he could be considered a decent player.

Your 100% right but he showed a lot more potential last year because he seemed to have a more well rounded game. His shot selection was still poor but he rebounded well and showed the ability to play the point.

Umm, no. His rebounding last year was very slightly better than this year, but could not be considered "good" in either case. It was pretty good per minute in Atlanta, but it was so few minutes that the result doesn't mean anything.

As for Crawford at the point -- his assists and turnovers this year are the same as they were last year. The only real difference between Crawford last year and Crawford this year it that this year he's missing even more shots than he did last year. And he missed a TON last year.

[tontoz]

I'm getting whiplash watching people change opinions on a player. Wasn't it just this summer that Crawford was going to take over the starting job and make Nick Young expendable? Didn't he have a "special spark" in his play that overrode any concerns about pedestrian considerations like efficiency?

In general for role players to be effective they have to be selective and/or efficient with their shots. Crawford showed no signs last year of being either.

[Nivek]

In general for role players to be effective they have to be selective and/or efficient with their shots. Crawford showed no signs last year of being either.

A point some tried to make throughout the offseason.

[DCZards]

I'm guilty of being one of those posters who thought Crawford could be a valuable piece of the Zards future---particularly as a backup at both PG and SG. But, like most of you, I've been hugely disappointed with his play so far this year. His lack of shot discipline, patience, and overall out of control play, particularly on the offensive end, has been appalling.

However, I'm not totally convinced that Crawford should be thrown under the bus and given up on. I'm one of those who believes that a player's approach to the game (especially a young, second year pro) can mature and develop. I still think Crawford has some b'ball talent and instincts that can lead to him having a decent career...but he defiinitely has to be reined in...or given a seat on the bench until he get his act together.

[tontoz]

In general for role players to be effective they have to be selective and/or efficient with their shots. Crawford showed no signs last year of being either.

A point some tried to make throughout the offseason.

I was one of them. Seemed like our reasoning frequently fell on deaf ears.

He had flashes of good play, driving and setting guys up, so people got a little carried away. But the bottom line is that he is a shooting guard who so far can't shoot. That is a pretty big problem, especially given his shot selection or lack thereof.

[Illuminaire]

I agreed with the critical party but thought Crawford would show some improvement. I liked his competitive nature and thought his work ethic would help him become a more productive player, at least someone you'd want as a 3rd or 4th guard.

I had no idea he would flat out stink.

[hands11]

I think that starting the season as the SG got to his head.

He may get it one day, but I don't think it should be here. This team really really really needs some PG play that resembles a pro level PG. It is unlikely Wall goes anywhere so so someone has to go.

I mean, I don't think Mack is ready to assume the spot.

I wouldn't be surprised at all of we hear of a Crawford trade in the next two weeks.

[Severn Hoos]

I've joked about it in the past, but I really do think there's an aspect of Captain Ahab in some of EG's moves over the past few years, with LeBron standing in for the white whale. (there's something ironic in that, but I can't put my finger on it...)

That guy who dunked on LeBron at his camp, then LeBron tried to hide the video? Gotta get him.

A 6'8 bull of a Forward who also happens to be the fastest guy in his draft class - one of the few NBA-level players to approximate the speed & strength of LBJ? Gotta get him.

A 6'9 SF who will guard anyone, but still has enough strength - and plenty of attitude - not to back down when challenged in the post? Gotta get him.

I do sometimes wonder if Crawford ever would have been a 1st round pick, or if the Wiz would have traded for him, if it wasn't for that dunk.....

[sashae]

This concern could apply to any number of players on the league’s only winless team and its most miserable watch. But Crawford’s shot selection is the most egregious. He is attempting 17 shots per 36 minutes, one of the highest marks in the league, and he’s shooting 32 percent. I’m not sure what’s worse — all the wild, off-the-dribble mid-range shots Crawford launches, or the fact that he’s attempting more than five threes per 36 minutes despite shooting just 16.7 percent this season from deep and 24 percent so far for his career.

[willbcocks]

I feel like this is still a valid point, sadly made valid by the poor and inconsistent play by both players.

Minor point of disagreement: When I see Crawford play, I think, "he sucks". When I see Young play, I think, "his shot isn't falling".

For the most part, Young is still operating within the offense and taking appropriate shots. He just hit a cold streak. I think Young will work through the shooting slump and regain his form from last year. I'm much less confident about Crawford.

For me watching Young, I think, "I'm glad we didn't pay him."

[Black Eyed Sooz]

Here's a nice knee-jerk over-reaction trade:

Crawford for Luke Babbitt

Babbitt apparently has had trouble getting off the Blazers bench and has not shot well when he has, but has played very well in 1+ D-league seasons, averaging almost 20 and 8 rb, with almost 40% from beyond the arc.

Probably a little premature on our part, but we certainly could use a guy that rebounds and hits the 3.

[jivelikenice]

Crawford has talent & toughness. I wouldn't give up on him but I would sit him until the message gets through that you need to play the game with some level of respect for shot selection and playing within a team system.

He showed flaws last year but played well. He's much better than he's showed thusfar and I'd like to give him a chance to try n turn this around. (unless he's the missing piece needed to find a trade partner for blatche:-D)

[dobrojim]

+1

he needs to sit in order for the idea of what good team
play is soaks in much better. His play has earned Mack
a shot at being the 3rd guard.

[LyricalRico]

Here's a nice knee-jerk over-reaction trade:

Crawford for Luke Babbitt

Babbitt apparently has had trouble getting off the Blazers bench and has not shot well when he has, but has played very well in 1+ D-league seasons, averaging almost 20 and 8 rb, with almost 40% from beyond the arc.

Probably a little premature on our part, but we certainly could use a guy that rebounds and hits the 3.

I don't think it's premature at all. I think it's a great trade for the Wiz, although I don't think Portland does it. I think they'd like to hold onto Babbitt since Batum is up for a new deal and Wallace will be soon.

[dobrojim]

I know this is shocking but Crawford is a much better
player when he shoots layups than he is shooting contested
turn-around fallaway jumpers. Maybe this idea will sink
in with him. He's also much better as a 2 than a 1.

[REDardWIZskin]

Crawford has p[played well in the past two games IMO, he still taken some questionable shots, but that what 6th men do and he's attacking the basket more. Wall's resurgence has been the big story but i think Craw is doing better too. If he can improve on his turnovers he may be an asset after all.