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Jamal Crawford opting out is good news for the Timberwolves

By Rucker Haringey

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 23: Jamal Crawford #11 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Rockets defeated the Timberwolves 119-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 23: Jamal Crawford #11 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Rockets defeated the Timberwolves 119-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Jamal Crawford is doing the Timberwolves a favor by declining his player option.

At first glance, Jamal Crawford opting out of his contract with the Timberwolves seems like a harsh blow for Tom Thibodeau and company. Upon further examination, the aging scorer is actually doing Minnesota a massive favor.

Crawford has the ability to make $4.5 million next season, but ESPN reports that he is planning on testing free agency once again. The move won’t sit well with Timberwolves star Jimmy Butler who has reportedly directed the front office to keep Crawford no matter what. In all likelihood the ‘Wolves front office will welcome Crawford’s decision to leave.

The Timberwolves bench was dependent on Crawford for shot creation last season, but he wasn’t terribly efficient. He gave the team over 10 points per game, but his true shooting percentage of 51.9 was the worst number he’d posted since his days with Portland. His performance next season isn’t likely to improve given his advanced age.

While his offense was passable, Crawford was an absolute turnstile on defense. It was painful to watch his inability to stop any opposing guards off the dribble. He’s never been a lockdown defender but his performance on that end of the court was borderline unplayable last year. Any advantages he gave the Timberwolves on offense were more than given back on the other end.

While Crawford was a net negative for Minnesota, his departure leaves them with just two rotation bench players under contract. It may make room for more minutes for Tyus Jones. Or it may mean that Derrick Rose is coming back.

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Jamal Crawford leaving the Timberwolves will cause some consternation among Minnesota fans, but he’s really done the franchise a favor. His departure will definitely help the team retain their expensive core moving forward and will probably boost their immediate performance on the court.

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