Different strokes for Crittenton and James
Javaris Crittenton is thrilled to be in Washington. For Mike James, it’s just another routine stop in his well-traveled basketball career.
Those are the disparate feelings of the Wizards’ two newest players, both acquired in a three-team deal Wednesday. The guards were in uniform for last night’s game at Verizon Center against the Boston Celtics.
Crittenton, 20, has at long last, a chance to play. He was buried on the bench in his rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers. This year in Memphis, the 6-foot-5 guard was playing behind O.J. Mayo, Mike Conley and Kyle Lowry.
“I’m very happy to be here. I’m very excited. I can’t express that enough,” said Crittenton. “They were in need of a guard and I think I can contribute and help this team right away.”
Coming out of Georgia Tech after one impressive season, Crittenton thought he was destined for Washington in the 2007 NBA Draft. Instead, the Wizards opted for Nick Young at No. 16. Crittenton was taken three picks later.
“I thought I was going to come here in the draft. Me and Ernie (Grunfeld) talked about that a little bit,” said Crittenton. “But right now, that doesn’t matter. I went to L.A. and now I’m here.”
This is an opportunity for James, 33, as well. After backing up Chris Paul, the 6-2 guard fell out of the rotation early this season in New Orleans. This is the ninth NBA team and 10th stop for James.
“I appreciate them letting me go,” said James. “I don’t understand why they brought me there. It’s hard when you don’t ever get a chance to get into rhythm, but it’s all good. The one thing I’ve learned in this game is, one man’s trash in another man’s treasure.”
