Nearly two weeks ago, news broke that Jamal Crawford plans to decline his 2018-19 player option, which would him an unrestricted free agent. What are the pros and cons to losing Crawford?
The Timberwolves must weigh out the pros and cons when it comes to deciding whether or not they should attempt to resign 38-year-old combo guard Jamal Crawford.
For a team that doesn’t shoot the 3-ball well, losing one of the best to do it is something they can’t afford.
Jamal Crawford came to Minnesota last offseason to fill two important roles to improve the team. He was the team’s 3-point threat off the bench as well as someone who was in a leadership role. And indeed, he helped guide the Wolves back to the playoffs for the first time since 2004.
Crawford would have been due $4.5 million next season if he opted into his second year of his initial two-year, $9 million deal. The reasons for him opting out could range from wanting more money to wanting to play elsewhere due to receiving less playing time than he expected. However, the hunt to bring back Crawford should not end for the Wolves. Also, if Jimmy Butler requests the return of the only three-time Sxth Man of the Year award recipient in league history, the Wolves may indeed go all-in to bring Crawford back.
The Wolves need help to become a better team, mostly shooting the long ball. Crawford is vital to that area and his experience is something that can’t be replaced either.
However, there were times where Crawford showed that his age may be catching up with him. There are younger players on the free agent market who will provide the Wolves with 3-point shooting just as well if not better than Crawford.
Before the Wolves have a opportunity to resign the veteran if they choose, consider these pros and cons.
Cons
Start with the bad, right?
Crawford’s worst trait is his most obvious: he’s a defensive liability. Out of 109 shooting guards, Crawford finished last in ESPN’s defensive plus-minus with a rating of -5.36. This is where the Wolves hit a crossroad.
Their two biggest needs are improving 3-point shooting and defense. Crawford brings help to one area, but it’s not the area that historically wins championships. A decision could be made easier if Crawford was near the middle of the pack in defensive plus-minus. However, seeing is how he finished last among all shooting guards, the Wolves have some thinking to do.
Also, Crawford never really got the playing time he expected in the Twin Cities. His 20.7 minutes per game was the lowest mark in his career since his rookie year 18 seasons ago. Knowing that, it’s unclear how much Crawford wants to return to the Wolves. In a situation like this it may take the Wolves a lot of effort to pursue him, not knowing if he will ink his name for sure. If too much time passes and Crawford decides not to return that could cost the Wolves other free agents who they could’ve pursed and signed instead.
On that note, there are other free agents who may come at better value and could offer more than Crawford.
Crawford declined $4.5 million to test the free agent market. That tells us that he will be looking for no less than that amount. For the Wolves, they can spend less and find someone younger who can be more of a defensive threat.
Take Elfrid Payton, for instance. The 24-year-old is entering free agency after earning just over $3.3 million last season. His 3-point shot has been improving as he shot 32.6 percent last season compared to 27.4 percent the year prior. Although his -1.95 defensive plus-minus is not the best, it isn’t as bad as Crawford, either. He has a high ceiling in that department and again, is only 24 years old.
(Sure, he plays point guard and not shooting guard, but today’s news that the Wolves may be shopping Tyus Jones and re-signing Derrick Rose would leave room for another guard if Tom Thibodeau plans to play more of the three-guard lineup that he rolled out in the playoffs this year.)
Players like Payton could make more sense for the Wolves if Crawford drives up the price that he is desiring. Even though he has historically been one of the best to shoot the three and provide am inexperienced team with an ounce more of experience, the Wolves may be better off letting Crawford walk.
Other issues with Crawford included some ill-advised shots and a lack of getting to the rim and free throw line.
The bottom line is this: Crawford’s experience is always of value. However, if he’s having an off-night shooting, he is a useless piece for the Wolves.
Pros
With Crawford, experience and 3-point shooting are everything.
Year-in and year-out he has been one of the most effective 3-point shooters and bench players in the league. In this year’s playoffs his experience showed in the Wolves five games.
Crawford averaged 11.8 points per game on 44.7 percent shooting from the floor and 41.2 percent from three. Throughout the season Crawford was effective shooting the three from the corner. He cashed in on 40.6 percent of those shots, however, he only took that shot one in every five threes attempted.
And it’s moves like this that make Crawford such an effective shooter.
He may not be as explosive as he once was but Crawford still has some pop in his step to go along with his handles.
On the season Crawford had a -0.05 offensive plus-minus. That ranked him 38 of 109 shooting guards. Surprisingly, that mark was an increase from his 2016-17 campaign with a rating of -0.06.
Another interesting stat from Crawford’s season is that his 48.5 percent effective field goal percentage was his highest since 2013-14. Also, his 1.2 turnovers per game was the lowest mark in his 18-year career. However, keep in mind he logged low minutes this past season. If that is concerning just know his 2.1 turnovers per 36 minutes is below is career average of 2.3 per 36 minutes.
Does the good outweigh the bad with Crawford? That’s something for the Wolves front office to figure out and act on. Retaining him will provide the Wolves with an experienced leader and consistent three-point threat off the bench.
Next: Timberwolves Player Review; Jimmy Butler
However, he is a liability on defense. There should be one question the front office asks themselves this offseason when determining this; can the team win with Crawford? If yes, pursue him. If not, move on.