Why the Washington Wizards should sign Jamal Crawford

If there is one thing the Wizards could use next season, it is another veteran. Jamal Crawford could become their answer.

There are a lot of things the Wizards have lacked over the past decade. However, one thing that specifically stands out has been the lack of a true NBA veteran.

Veterans are a huge help to teams. Vets have been around the league for a long time, so they are able to be leaders on the team as they know what is best for the team on and off the court. They are also great for developing young players because they can give them great feedback, advice, and criticism.

The one time the Wizards had a veteran was when they signed Paul Pierce for the 2014-2015 season. Pierce helped lead the Wizards to a 46 win season as well as a first round sweep of the higher seeded Toronto Raptors. Pierce also greatly helped develop John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Otto Porter by telling them they have to put in 100% effort every single night if they want to be great in the league.

Since then, the Wizards have lacked a true leader. John Wall attempted to become the team’s new leader, but has barely seen the floor for the last two seasons and will likely not play next season either.

With the Wizards being a developing team next season with a ton of young players, they can really use a player to set them in the right direction. Jamal Crawford could be their guy.

Crawford is 39 years old and is currently looking to play in his 20th season in the NBA. Crawford is a greatly respected player across the league. While he has never made an All-Star game, he has been named NBA Sixth Man of the Year three times.

Crawford is known to be a prolific scorer off the bench, averaging 14.6 points per game for his career. Last season with the Suns, Crawford’s numbers took a little bit of a hit, averaging just 7.9 points per game.

However, just because Crawford’s averages declined last season does not mean he cannot contribute to a team like the Wizards. In a game against the Mavericks last season, Crawford shocked the league by scoring 51 points, becoming the oldest player in NBA history to score 50 or more points in a game.

Crawford could provide a huge offensive spark off the bench for the Wizards, taking some of the pressure off Bradley Beal to be the team’s primary scorer.

New Wizard, Isaiah Thomas, liked the idea of the Wizards adding Crawford, Tweeting “Come on over to the Wiz” just over a week ago.

As a well respected veteran, Jamal Crawford could help lead the Wizards, develop their multiple young players, and set them in the right direction for an attempt to build a successful team next summer.