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Timberwolves Power Rankings: New faces and comeback wins

By Jake Paynting

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 15: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shake hands during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 15, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 15: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shake hands during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 15, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MARCH 08: Jamal Crawford #11 of the Minnesota Timberwolves watches a free throw during the game against the Boston Celtics on March 8, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MARCH 08: Jamal Crawford #11 of the Minnesota Timberwolves watches a free throw during the game against the Boston Celtics on March 8, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

6. Jamal Crawford (5)

Season stats: 19.8 MPG – 10.2 PPG – 2.3 APG – 0.5 SPG – 41.6% FG – 33.5% 3PT – 89.7% FT

Weekly stats: 25.5 MPG – 10.0 PPG – 2.6 APG – 0.6 SPG – 38.2% FG – 14.3% 3PT – 100% FT

After entering the power rankings starting five last time around, Jamal Crawford settles back in to his comfortable sixth man position in this edition.

Despite having one of his underwhelming shooting stretches, J-Crossover’s knack to get buckets when the Timberwolves’ bench badly needs one is an invaluable trait, especially with Jimmy Butler down and the rotation wearing thin.

The 37-year-old started out with 10 points and three rebounds in the disappointing Portland loss, although his shooting (5-13 FG, 0-6 3P) left a lot to be desired. As did his two-point, four-assist showing in Utah, shooting a shoddy 1-of-7 from the field.

Things improved from there, however, as Crawford began to find his rhythm more in the final three games. He posted 15 points and four assists (7-16 FG, 1-6 3P) against Boston, proving to be an important cog to a three-man bench unit that only managed 20 points.

The 17-year veteran will have his moments of mind boggling shot selection and questionable decisions, but his value comes in the shape of professional bench scoring – something the Wolves need, and badly. 

Oh yeah, and he does this:

Along with the dizzying handles that just about buried Swaggy P, Crawford posted 12 points, two rebounds, an assist and a steal in the victory over the reigning champions, shooting a reputable 4-of-9 from the field.

J-Crossover finished the week with another solid showing in the nations capital, putting up 11 points and three assists in 28 minutes. Like Jones, Thibs allowed his veteran to help finish out an important win for the (hopefully) playoff-bound Timberwolves.

He will make you scratch your head or throw your arms up in disgust at times, but Jamal Crawford remains a vital piece of this Minnesota Timberwolves puzzle.

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