May 5, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) attempts a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Caron Butler (2) during the second quarter in game one of the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jamal Crawford
2014-15 Salary: $5.45 million, Non-Guaranteed Contract
This was a hard conclusion to come to.
Throughout the last two seasons, Jamal Crawford has razzled and dazzled, showing why he’s one of the best reserve players in the NBA. But in the postseason, Crawford’s play comes off as in the complete opposite way as it does in the regular season. The defense isn’t there, ball movement ceases when he’s on the floor, and he doesn’t provide much in any other area. These issues have been magnified against both the Memphis Grizzlies (2012) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (2013) as he underperformed in both series and looking through his career playoff numbers, this is more of a trend than anomaly.
Prior to this season, there could be an argument made that the Clippers needed Crawford in order to maintain a top offense, but with the increased pace, the leap from Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, J.J. Redick’s arrival, and Chris Paul’s playmaking abilities, that need becomes more of a replaceable luxury. And at the price tag of $5.45 million, the Clippers could use that same money to fill in holes on the defensive side of the ball as well as patching up the bench issues which would make the Clippers better in the long-term. (Trisity Miller)
VERDICT: Go!