Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 goals for Jamal Crawford’s 2017-18 season

2. Influence from the bench.

One of most influential players of his days, Jamal Crawford has won Sixth Man of the Year three times. THREE times.

Crawford’s numbers was even higher than then-starter Ricky Rubio (11.1 PPG), continually impressing when called upon by his coaches.

Those who know basketball know a sixth man is not simply a player not good enough for the starting five, but is someone exceptional from the bench.

His aforementioned 12 PPG from 82 games (one start), on average was better than any bench player last year for Tom Thibodeau’s team, Shabazz Muhammad the closest with 9.9 PPG.

Crawford’s numbers were even higher than then-starter Ricky Rubio (11.1 PPG), continually impressing when called upon by his coaches.

The fact he has won the award three times smells of wonderful consistency, as recent as 2015-16 to boot, is vital for the Wolves.

As the above points of the Timberwolves’ roster shows, there was a major lack of any influence from the bench.

Taking Muhammad’s points out of the equation and focusing solely on guards, the total PPG of Tyus Jones and Kris Dunn totaled 7.3 PPG, 5 fewer than Crawford’s total.

If he can make those type of points again this season, JC could be more valuable than expected.