 Joe Crawford is making a statement through his first two games at Summer League.
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Last week, Xavier’s Jordan Crawford made headlines by dunking on LeBron James at the MVP’s summer basketball camp.
This week, older brother Joe Crawford is making his own statement in Las Vegas with the New York Knicks Summer League squad.
In each of the team’s first two games, the 6-foot-5, 210-pounder scored 10 points and grabbed three boards while impressing Knicks brass with his combination of athleticism and power. That includes Knicks President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh.
“I think Joe is one of those guys (who is standing out),” said Walsh. “He has talent. That’s for sure.”
Crawford himself agrees that he is playing well, but thinks he can do even better.
“I think I’ve done ok,” he said following the Knicks loss to the Detroit Pistons. “Donnie told me he thinks I am doing well, and I am trying to show I can help them out and win games when the season starts … I think I have a way to go. I am finding my way in the offense, and I am just trying to win.”
After signing with the Knicks on Mar. 27, Crawford appeared in two games, recording nine points along the way. The young guard thinks that his familiarity with the system gave him an edge coming into Summer League.
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Crawford was originally a second-round draft choice of the Los Angeles Lakers out of Kentucky, and he spent the bulk of last season with the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the D-League. In 43 games, he averaged 20.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists over 38.1 minutes. He finished 14th in the D-League in scoring, and recorded a season-high 44 points vs. Utah on Jan. 9.
While all eyes are on rookies Jordan Hill and Toney Douglas, Crawford has proven he belongs in their class. For instance, early in the second half against the Pistons, Crawford took the rock and speed up court. Racing passed Detroit’s defenders, Crawford threaded a nifty pass to Douglas who in turn touch passed it up to Hill for the strong two-handed flush.
“They haven’t come up to me directly asking for help, but I try to show them what I can,” he said. “You know, they are very smart players, but you can always learn and I am trying to show them what I know.”
While his younger brother was one of the major sports stories recently, and Crawford is happy for him, his mind is singularly focused on his current task at hand.
“I want to show everyone that I am an NBA player and that I am one of the best here.”
After two games, mission accomplished.
