October 21, 2008 – Dr. Browntorious
Jamal Crawford is currently the active NBA leader in games played without ever making the playoffs. Crawford is on the cusp of taking over the 4th all-time spot on the list, surpassing Popeye Jones. If Jamal stays healthy and the Knicks once again fail to make the playoffs Crawford will be improving on this most dreaded milestone. A big thanks to Sports Illustrated for the heads up on this.
But what does it all mean? Is Jamal the special ingredient in the formula for team underachievement? Or is Crawford simply the victim of circumstance, starting off his career in Chicago during the post-Jordan rebuilding project, then being traded to New York just before Chicago returned to the post-season. Obviously once in New York, Jamal was a part of the well chronicled Knicks debacle during the Larry Brown/Isiah Thomas years.
After thinking about Jamal’s situation and then thinking about those great players in the last few years that have been criticized for never making it past the first round of the playoffs; Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, Kevin Garnett, etc. etc. you have to think ‘hey at least they made it to the post-season, right’? Well there could be far worse fates or milestones, just ask Jamal Crawford. Imagine heading into your 9th year in the league and never having felt that post-season atmosphere and excitement? Even as just a lowly 8th seed would be nice, anything is possible. Just look at the Golden State Warriors run two seasons past, where they dethroned the #1 seeded Dallas Mavericks.
Well if you ask me, Jamal’s milestone is more a function of his timing and circumstance. Crawford has always been a tweener between the PG and SG positions but is a more than adequate player at either position and has really become a lethal jump shooter. He may be a bit weak defensively at the SG spot due to his size disadvantage, but he keeps his head above water with his speed and quickness. Here’s hoping D’Antoni can turn the Knicks fate around with his up-tempo offense and help them squeak into the post-season this year. Jamal just doesn’t deserve to keep improving on this dreaded milestone.
