10th: Jamal Crawford
May 6, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) drives to the basket during the third quarter as Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) defends in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
After being such a valued offensive spark-plug for the Clippers over the last few seasons, it’s a shame to see Jamal Crawford move down in the rankings as one of the team’s most important players. In all honesty, though, he just seems like the odd-man-out right now and his minutes are going to drop significantly.
He became Sixth Man of the Year in 2013-14 in L.A. due to his near unmatched ability to provide instant offense, but now those days may be over. Few fans will want to hear that and rightfully so. Yet there’s far more competition on the Clippers’ bench now.
Crawford’s efficiency fell rather suddenly last season, as he only shot 39.6 percent from the floor and 32.7 percent from three point range. In the playoffs, those numbers dropped to 36 and 24.3, respectively. His fluid handles and scoring ability is obviously still there and he’s one of the most talented 35 year olds in the league. That doesn’t mean that his declining efficiency can be overlooked, though. With Lance Stephenson, Doc has now gone in a new direction for the Clippers’ sixth man.
Don’t worry, though, because if Stephenson can return to his form from his Indiana Pacers days (and that’s still a big “if”), his playmaking, versatility, rebounding and defense can give the Clippers a new dynamic at both ends of the floor.
Next: Cole Aldrich