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

Jamal Crawford has become the latest addition of the Timberwolves revolution, though it is not only a new chapter for Minnesota, but for JC.

Jamal Crawford is a nearly man. Seven playoff appearances spread across the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Clippers make him one of ‘those’ players without an NBA ring.

Not that a ring presupposes great players – a success – a feeling Steve Nash, Allen Iverson, Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley and Karl Malone know all-to-well.

Not that Crawford may even be considered in this ‘illustrious’ group of guys, a man more famous for being a bench influence than a starting five player.

His move to the Clippers was met with hostility – the best they could get? a no-show of ambition? His three Sixth Man awards say otherwise.

Waived by his former club the Hawks, Minnesota took the decision to bring the veteran to Minneapolis.

A chance to cap off his NBA career on a high, that vet quality the Timberwolves have lacked could be one of five goals Crawford needs to display, becoming the player he used to be.

5. Bring his Vet game.

At the grand old age of 37, Jamal is no rookie of the NBA.

In fact, he ranks eighth as the current oldest player, with new Sacramento Kings signing Vince Carter topping the list at 40.

Unsurprisingly, that makes him the oldest player on the Timberwolves’ roster, five years ahead of Taj Gibson and Brandon Rush.

But Vets can score. Vets can lead.

The infamous Kobe Bryant managed to clock up 17.6 points per game in his closeout season after 20 years in the NBA, finishing 31st overall for points.

https://twitter.com/Timberwolves/status/889847721539944450

Jamal may be dropping in his numbers – as did Kobe – but there is no reason why he cannot continue to perform to such a level where an average of 12 points per game is valuable to the Wolves.

Considering many games in the 2016-17 season came down to just three-to-seven points, an increase in numbers from another outlet could propel Tom Thibodeau’s team to more W’s.

Secure some much-needed experience from the bench, coupled with double-figure points, Crawford can definitely excel with his new team.

4. Beyond the arc plays.

Where’s Zach!? We need three-pointers! Somebody get us 3-pointers!

With Zach LaVine going to Chicago in order to gain All-Star Jimmy Butler, the Timberwolves lack any sort of dominance from beyond the arc.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins are getting better from downtown, but Minneapolis need a man to come in and get buckets.

Crawford can hit threes.

Shows of his handle – one way then another – pull back jumper and it is good.

He makes beyond the arc plays look so easy, effortless in his motion and it is exactly what the Timberwolves need.

Despite his number expectantly dropping, his 3-point field goal makes in 2016-17 is better than any current teammate on the Wolves roster.

Also, in Chris Paul‘s best year in regards to three-pointers a few months ago, Crawford was only 0.51 per cent away from CP3’s total.

Continue in this fashion, and Minnesota could be looking at a new outlet to get those 3-point makes

3. Show the NBA the old Jamal.

Crawford has been in the NBA since the turn of the new millennium, plying his trade for six different franchises in that time.

All of those have had a taste of his ability, whether it be during his heyday or as a rookie, but showcasing that old self could dispel some of the negative press he has faced recently.

There is no doubt Jamal is not the same player he was five to ten years ago. He is not that guy anymore, but then again, who is when they reach this career point?

ClipsNation took an analytical point of view to show his decline as a player in January, yet the number are not as bad as it is made out to be.

Just two months later near the close of the season – FanSided’s own Clipperholics spoke of how Jamal has actually excelled beyond what was expected of him – fifth spot in all-time three pointers made just one point of many.

And what about the famous crossover? Still there for all to see – the old Jamal may be unobtainable, but his ability is far more available to Minnesota.

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.

1. Clutch plays.

The Timberwolves are not clutch.

Take away Andrew Wiggins’ brilliant make against the Phoenix Suns, or even the trio of threes from Gorgui Dieng, Rubio and Wiggins that sent the Charlotte Hornets to overtime for an eventual win, the Wolves struggle to close out games.

Third quarters were the problem. An inability to build upon incredible 1st half performances that were on par with Golden State Warriors.

Call in Jamal – clutch for days – an ability to remain calm and composed in the latter minutes and seconds of a match.

Above, his game winner over Utah Jazz – BINGO – too easy for a guy of his quality.

Bring that to the Wolves and Target Center will be laughing all the way to another W.

The days of internet forums constantly berating others: “Why is the ball in *insert player’s* hand,” soon-to-be: “Crawford goes clutch again!”

Next: Minnesota Timberwolves: Predicting ever player's season

He has the capacity to improve his career JCrossver, and the Timberwolves are the team who will profit.