Uncertain future affecting Jamal Crawford’s performance
The reigning NBA sixth man of the year Jamal Crawford has been struggling to find his deadly form this season, and the former Michigan standout admitted that his uncertain future with the
Atlanta Hawks is the reason behind his poor performance.
Crawford, who is averaging 13.1 points on a dismal 40.6 per cent clip from the field and 3.5 assists, is in the final year of his contract with the Hawks, and he openly expressed his intention
of signing a new contract, but the Hawks have not made a move to keep him for the next few years in their fold.
“I'm over-thinking,” said Crawford in interview with
FanHouse.com before their humbling loss against the Boston Celtics on Monday 22 November. “I think with everything going on, I'm just thinking too much and not just playing basketball. I'd be lying if I said it hasn't crossed my mind, you know, the
future. Everything's been a little bit of a distraction.”
Hawks head coach Larry Drew, on the other hand, said that he understands Crawford’s situation, but he reiterated that the 10-year veteran should not think about it too much and instead focus
on helping the team win and prove to the organization that he deserves to have a contract extension.
“Having been a player, I can understand how Jamal feels,” said Drew, who played 10 seasons in the NBA. “I've mentioned it to him, 'Your focus has to be basketball right now.' And just let
your agent and the management, just let them take care of it. If an extension happens, that will be wonderful. But, if it doesn't happen, he can't allow it to affect him to where he's not on the floor performing up to his expectations.”
However, Crawford said that Drew’s suggestion is easier said than done and when he was asked about his plans if the Hawks decide not to re-sign him next summer, he said that he is ready to
move on and test the free-agent market next off-season.
“I would have to,” said the 30-year-old guard on testing the free-agent market next summer. “At that point, we would have had a year to negotiate. If nothing works out, I would have to test
the market. I'm not scared because I believe I would be one of the top free agents out there, especially in the role I'm bringing to the table. So I'm not nervous about it. But I just really want to play here.”
Crawford and the Hawks will try to snap their two-game skid as they travel the New Jersey to face the Brook Lopez and the Nets on Tuesday 23 November.
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