NBA Rumors: Crawford Return Plans Crushed By COVID-19

Jamal Crawford is at the point where most players are either enjoying retirement or helping out in sports broadcasting. But it appears that age is just a number for him and he remains positive that some NBA team will give him a call.

The three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year awardee bared that he continues to keep himself in shape even with the league temporarily halted. Crawford has not fully withdrawn pro basketball from his system after admitting that he is training as if he is playing actively with some NBA team during a phone interview to the Sports Center.

“I’ve been training as if I’m playing. I work out every single day. I was working out today. I’ve always loved it. I know I can help in some regard, some capacity,” Crawford said.

His positivity is worth lauding but the reality of it all is that Crawford could end up on the losing end of this lull. For one, there is no telling what the NBA plans to do. The original plan of league commissioner Adam Silver was a 30-day hiatus. But at the rate that the COVID-19 pandemic is getting out of hand, it may be longer.

Among the options that could happen is a jump to the NBA playoffs or canceling the season entirely. Resuming the remaining regular-season games could be possible although most teams are likely to stick with the players they have right now. Given those scenarios, seeing Crawford being called to play for a team is not looking so swell.

Crawford remains unsigned with most NBA teams preferring to go for younger players. And despite his plight, the 6-foot-5 guard has no regrets and believes that everything happens for a reason.

"I don’t take it bitterly or being bitter towards anybody. Everything happens for a reason and hopefully, ‘ll get another chance to get back out there. I’ll be ready for sure,” he said.

Crawford has played in 1,326 games and holds career averages of 14.6 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.2 rebounds. Last season with the Phoenix Suns, he appeared in 64 games producing 7.9 points and 1.2 rebounds. The 8th overall pick of the 2000 NBA Draft is undoubtedly on the decline but feels he can still help out any team willing to give him at least one last shot.