Trade to Wizards gives guard a big chance
The last guy expected to be on the floor down the stretch for the Wizards as they hung tough Saturday against the Dallas Mavericks — owners of the second-best record in the NBA’s Western Conference — was Jordan Crawford, a rookie who had appeared in 16 games all season before being traded from Atlanta to Washington last week.
But Crawford made it clear afterward that seeing him play key minutes in a clutch situation might have been a surprise, but that didn’t make it unfamiliar.
“It wasn’t a new experience,” said Crawford, who was drafted 27th overall in June by New Jersey and immediately traded to the Hawks. “It was new in the NBA. … I’m glad Coach gave me the opportunity. I look for more down the road.”
Just as he had famously and fearlessly dunked on LeBron James during James’ summer camp two years ago, Crawford rose up in his Wizards home debut with 10-time All-Star Jason Kidd’s hand in his face to knock down a game-tying 19-foot jumper with 1:36 remaining. It was part of a 10-point effort from Crawford in a 105-99 loss.
| UP NEXT |
| Bulls at Wizards |
| When » Monday, 7 p.m. |
| Where » Verizon Center |
| TV » Comcast SportsNet |
| Radio » 106.7 FM |
The dunk on James put Crawford on the map, but averaging 29 points in three NCAA tournament games last March for Xavier, including 32 in a double-overtime, Sweet 16 loss to Kansas State, put the slouch-shouldered 6-foot-5 guard on the NBA’s radar.
“He has no fear going against anybody,” said Wizards coach Flip Saunders, who also saw Crawford score 30 points against his team at Verizon Center during the preseason. “The other thing was he made shots, so we kept him in the game. He did what we thought he could do. I think he’s got a chance in this league. I like his moxie. I like his competitiveness.”
Joining the Wizards (15-43) could be just what Crawford needed. He is quick to remind those who ask that it wasn’t a lack of talent that cost him playing time in Atlanta but the fact that he was backing up All-Star Joe Johnson and 2010 sixth man of the year Jamal Crawford.
“He can score,” Mike Bibby said. “He didn’t really get a chance in Atlanta to show what he can do, but that happens sometimes. I think this is a great situation for him, being with a lot of the younger guys, giving him a chance to play and show everybody what he can do.”
