The most important Timberwolves pickup: Jamal Crawford

The Timberwolves have already had a huge off-season, but their most-recent addition may prove to be their most important.

As a Wolves fan, we have heard this before: a 15+ year veteran with playoff experience is coming in to be a part of the second unit. Normally, that would mean a veteran like Jordan Hill or Brad Miller taking up space at the very end of the bench.

But the latest addition to the Timberwolves roster, Jamal Crawford, is set to change all that. He will, almost certainly, be the one Tom Thibodeau calls for first off the bench.

Obviously, Thibs has plans for Crawford. He also has plans for his very own specialty lineup to compete with Golden State’s of Curry, Thompson, Durant, Iggy, and Green according to the Star Tribune’s Jerry Zgoda: 

A lack of offensive punch from the Wolves’ bench rotation last season outside of Shabazz Muhammad hurt the Wolves. They had a below average three-point shooting percentage, making Crawford the most valuable signing so far for Minnesota.

I know what you’re thinking, and no, Jamal Crawford is not a better player then Jimmy Butler. While Butler is a top-15 player in the league, Crawford fills a huge hole: bench scoring.

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The Wolves were dead last in both bench scoring and bench efficiency last season. You know that making sure he had some punch off the bench was among the top interests for Thibs over the summer. The three-time Sixth Man of the Year award-winning Crawford fits what the Wolves needed to a ‘T’.

Crawford is a perfect Thibs bench player: a guy who will come in and fill up the stat sheet in a hurry. Last season, he played all 82 games for the first time in his soon-to-be 18-year career. He also shot above his career average in both field goal and three point percentage.

The main sticking point to any argument against Crawford coming to Minnesota is that his stats have dipped the last couple years. Looking at the Clippers last season, they had plenty of bench options in Austin Rivers, Raymond Felton, Wesley Johnson, and Marreese Speights to share the ball with Crawford.

Taking a look at the Wolves projected bench heading in to this season, and there are fewer options. Tyus Jones looks to take over the backup point guard role. Either Taj Gibson or Gorgui Dieng will be coming off the bench. Also, don’t forget Nemanja Bjelica. Crawford will be the jewel of the bench and be used the most by far on the offensive end of the floor.

While most of Crawford’s damage will be done in microwave (go in and heat up as fast as you can) fashion, he is also a player who can be on the floor in the end of game situations. Not only can he hit a big shot, but he would also create a lot of anxiety for defenders. With other players like KAT and Butler, they have a lot of options end of game. 

While he might not be a great defender, he has been around the block and knows positioning. That might not get him into the All-Defensive Third team, but it seems like he is ready and willing to accept the teaching of Thibs.

Next: Tom Thibodeau Will Lead The Wolves To The Promised Land

With the combo of fewer bench options, Crawford’s experience, and handles to go with his uncanny ability to put the ball in the basket, the man they call J-Crossover will be on full display this season at Target Center.