The NBA has been a better place since March 6th. On March 6th the New Orleans Pelicans signed Jordan Crawford, also known as Steezus, to a 10-day contract.
Crawford had returned to the United States this year to play with the Grand Rapids Drive of the NBA D-League after spending multiple seasons overseas. Crawford dominated right away when the D-League season began. In just 26 minutes off the bench, Crawford averaged 17.4 points and 2.1 rebounds per game in November. His play only improved from there on out. His best month came during a ten-game stretch in December. He averaged 26.2 points per game on 52%/44%/90% shooting from the field. In three games this month, before being signed by the Pelicans, Crawford was averaging 31 points per game.
In an interview with the head coach of the Drive, Rex Walters, he said the following on Crawford just a day into the season.
“If you want a guy that makes the right play and scores at a high level, Jordan Crawford should be in the NBA. He’s been phenomenal in camp, his presence on the floor, his leadership to our younger players, I love coaching him. I love talking to him. I love the example he sets. I wouldn’t say he’s a choir boy but that dude wants to win and compete. If he doesn’t get called it’ll break my heart. They’re guys in the NBA that can’t do what he can do. He’s really coachable. I don’t get how he’s not in the NBA.”
Having experience with the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, and Washington Wizards, Crawford already knows what it takes to play and succeed in the NBA.
Now, up with the Pelicans, Crawford is showing that his high-level play that he showcased overseas and in the D-League, translate to the NBA. Through his first seven games with New Orleans, Crawford is averaging 14.3 points in 22.5 minutes per game off the bench. The efficiency that Crawford scored with in the D-League has also translated along with his scoring ability to the NBA. The 28-year-old is shooting 51.3 percent from the field and 50 percent from the three-point line. He boasts an effective true shooting percentage of 63 percent.
Crawford’s scoring ability has been huge for the Pelicans, who although they do have Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins on their roster, always need help scoring the basketball. He can score in a multitude of ways as well.
Crawford has a unique off the dribble game. In the video below he is able to come off the screen from Cousins and dribble himself into a mid-range jumper right above the free throw line. While it is not considered to be an efficient look, Crawford’s scoring ability makes mid-range jumpers effective for him.
As noted, Crawford is shooting 50 percent from the free throw line through seven games with New Orleans. He is most efficient from behind the arc in catch and shoot situations. Watch the video below how when he has space he is able to receive the pass and knock down multiple good looks from deep.
Here Crawford shows his capabilities in the pick and roll situation, specifically with Anthony Davis. The first play results in a tough finish inside by Crawford with the following plays ending with Anthony Davis scores.
Then you get Steezus. When Crawford gets into the zone where he is hitting the shots he does in the video below, good luck stopping him.
New Orleans is 4-3 since signing Crawford. He has made a positive impact on the team and will continue to do so with his offensive abilities in scoring and facilitating.
Jordan Crawford is back in the NBA, and the NBA is a more exciting place for it.
