LA Clippers: Grading Possible Last-Minute Free Agent Signings

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 20: Shaun Livingston #14 of the Los Angeles Clippers stands on the court during the game against the New Jersey Nets on December 20, 2005 at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Nets won 99-85. 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 2005 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 20: Shaun Livingston #14 of the Los Angeles Clippers stands on the court during the game against the New Jersey Nets on December 20, 2005 at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Nets won 99-85. 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 2005 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
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BOSTON, MA – FEBRUARY 3: Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Jamal Crawford (11) drives past Boston Celtics point guard Avery Bradley (0) during the Boston Celtics 106-104 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at TD Garden on February 3, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Chris Elise/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – FEBRUARY 3: Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Jamal Crawford (11) drives past Boston Celtics point guard Avery Bradley (0) during the Boston Celtics 106-104 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at TD Garden on February 3, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Chris Elise/Getty Images)

Jamal Crawford

Let me start this off by saying this:

Jamal Crawford is an all-time Clipper great and it was a shame that Avery Bradley was given his number to wear so soon. He meant a lot to the Lob City Clippers, a team that can be credited with getting the franchise to point that they are at now.

However, it is no longer 2014 and the need to add an aging 6th man is just not there. If we are being completely honest Crawford has lost a step and proves to be somewhat of an inefficient scorer. While he did score 50+ points in a game with his fourth different team last year, his field goal percentage also fell below 40% for the first time since 2014.

Also, Crawford has been given the reigns to the bench many times in the past and that would simply not be the case if he were to sign in Los Angeles. He would most likely be third on the depth chart when it comes to shooting guards and will not find himself with the amount of playing time he received in the past.

Time may be running out for the three-time 6th Man of the Year winner, however playing basketball is not the only way Crawford can be valuable to a team. With a player that knows the game as well as he does, in combination with the fact that he has played in many different offensive schemes, Crawford would be a nice asset on the coaching side of the ball.

I’m sure Doc Rivers would love to have him join the staff alongside former Clippers guard Sam Cassell. This could be a way for the organization to garner some of Jamal’s leadership skills as well as give the Clippers fan base another reason to get behind this championship ready team by bringing back a Clipper favorite.

Free Agent Signing Grade: C-

Coach Signing Grade: A