El Segundo, CA- The Los Angeles D-Fenders announced today the team has acquired returning player, Joe Crawford. In an effort to make room for Crawford on the roster, the D-Fenders have released Christopher Hayes.

Shooting guard, Joe Crawford was selected by the Lakers in the second round (58th pick overall) of the 2008 NBA Draft. Crawford participated in the 2008 Lakers training camp. He played in 3 exhibition games with the Lakers, where he averaged 2.7 points. The Lakers then assigned Crawford to the D-Fenders in 2008. Crawford played 43 games for the D-Fenders last season, averaging 20.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Of the 43 games, Crawford scored double figures in 42 of them. In March 2009, Crawford signed with the New York Knicks and became the 18th Gatorade Call-Up of the NBA D-League season. Crawford participated in the 2009 NBA training camp with the New York Knicks, prior to returning to the D-Fenders.

“We are happy to get Joe back on the court. He is a player that we know we can count on when we need a basket and are really excited to have him back,” said Head Coach Chucky Brown.

2009-10 D-Fenders Roster: