Jamal Crawford on The Secret to Scoring 50, Getting the ‘Cold Shoulder’ from Kobe, Lessons from MJ & More
Podcast P with Paul George
Deep Dive
Why did it take Kobe Bryant seven years to acknowledge Jamal Crawford?
Kobe Bryant didn't acknowledge Jamal Crawford for seven years because Crawford was too close to Michael Jordan, and Kobe didn't want to associate with someone who wore Jordan's jersey.
What was the most memorable series for Jamal Crawford during his time with the Clippers?
The most memorable series for Jamal Crawford with the Clippers was against the Spurs in the playoffs. Blake Griffin was the best player in the series, and the team went to seven games despite Chris Paul getting injured.
How did Jamal Crawford's mindset change when he became a sixth man?
Crawford's mindset shifted from feeling like a loser on bad teams to embracing the role of a sixth man, where he could be the main focus on offense when he entered the game. This change extended his career and allowed him to play longer.
What was the turning point in Jamal Crawford's career with the Clippers?
The turning point for Crawford with the Clippers came after a disappointing season in Portland, where he was used differently and looked out of form. He then signed with the Clippers, where he was able to showcase his scoring ability and win two Sixth Man of the Year awards.
What was the significance of the blackout game at Rucker Park?
The blackout game at Rucker Park was supposed to be a highly anticipated matchup between Jay-Z's team and Fat Joe's team, featuring stars like Allen Iverson, Melo, and Yao Ming. However, the game never happened due to a power outage.
How did Jamal Crawford's relationship with Michael Jordan develop?
Crawford's relationship with Michael Jordan began when Jordan expressed admiration for his game. They later played together in summer league games, and Jordan even helped Crawford with his ACL surgery and mentored him on and off the court.
What was the most memorable 50-point game for Jamal Crawford?
Crawford's most memorable 50-point game was in New York, where he scored 52 points and was in the zone, making 16 straight shots. Heath Ledger was in attendance, and Crawford's performance reportedly inspired Ledger to start playing basketball.
How did Jamal Crawford influence the next generation of basketball players?
Crawford influenced the next generation by making the sixth man role cool and inspiring young players to embrace coming off the bench. His legacy is evident in the way players like his son and others view the role.
What was the most challenging part of playing in the NBA for Jamal Crawford?
The most challenging part for Crawford was the mental aspect of being used differently by coaches, which affected his performance. He had to adapt to new roles and prove himself in different situations throughout his career.
What was the impact of Jamal Crawford's game on Heath Ledger?
Heath Ledger was inspired by Crawford's 50-point performance in New York and started playing basketball. Ledger's interest in basketball was sparked by Crawford's on-court brilliance.
- Initial commitment to Fresno State
- Coach Tark's pivotal role
- Extra year of eligibility
- Workout with Gary Payton
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