Jamal Crawford has accomplished so much with the LA Clippers. If it were up to Jamal, he would want to keep the core of the team together.
Along with multiple SIxth Man of the Year awards, Jamal Crawford has done many things. His highest efficiency came as a member of the LA Clippers in 2013-2014 with just under 50% eFG.
When Jamal Crawford was asked what he would do if he were the GM of the LA Clippers in an interview with Bleacher Reports own Howard Beck, Jamal responded:
"“If I was Doc I’d bring it all back. Fundamentally speaking we have a really good team, over the last few years we have beaten some good teams in the playoffs. We aren’t broken, we have a really good team.”"
Crawford additionally mentioned that the Clippers have won 50 games while continuously dealing with injuries to their top six players. Unfortunately, injuries have been a major part of the Clippers game throughout this era, in both regular season and playoffs. Sure, they can overcome them during the year, but come playoff time they still have not been healthy. This season marked three years in a row. They are doing great things throughout the year, but have had a lot of shortcomings. Jamal explains at the 06:00 minute mark.
"“When you look at us we have the third best winning percentage over the last six years. Winning 50 straight games for consecutive years on in, but haven’t got passed the second round so there is frustration there.”"
Jamal admits a lot of the shortcomings were self-inflicted, and not only injuries, such as blowing a 3-1 lead to Houston Rockets in the semifinals. The team also gave away a pivotal game five when leading by seven points with only seconds remaining to the Thunder. These are mistakes the Clips’ inflictes on themselves, and it is still haunting their unit.
The implication here is that Crawford wants to run it back with the core big three in Los Angeles. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin will need to re-sign when they are free agents this summer. Jamal added that teams in the 80’s stayed together for many years and waited for their breakthrough. Maybe the LA Clippers will have a lucky year or two run. He feels the way to make that is keeping their core and tweaking the bench, like every year.
When discussing their bench Jamal agrees that there is not a need for overloading in scorers. Instead, the team should focus on having more variety and continuity. He further explains.
"“With the bench, maybe I would find a more cohesive unit. Maybe get guys who fit together better.”"
In order to carry out this, Crawford will need to be the scorer with the second unit. The rest of the roles should be filled by other hustle players who get rebounds and play defense. So, veterans like Raymond Felton and Marreese Speights and possibly even J.J Redick can be substituted for better fits such as Greg Monroe, Andre Igoudala, Matt Barnes or Javale Mcgee.
All of the mentioned above are overwhelming candidates to take Los Angeles even deeper with a top bench. Running with a ten man unit can really switch things up providing multiple opportunities. Igoudala and Barnes are both defensive minded small forwards, that can help a bench known to blow leads. Big men Monroe and McGee are both perfect for Lob City pick and roll action. Plus, they can be aggressive on the boards, which the bench also needs.
Crawford, just like many others, feels that the LA Clippers are top-tier. They are championship contenders every year if healthy. With one miracle year awaiting them, the Clippers can finally have their breakthrough.