Jamal Crawford spotted in Phoenix to visit Suns’ Jones and Kokoskov
Oct 12, 2018, 1:39 PM | Updated: 2:55 pm
Houston Rockets forward Terrence Jones (6) celebrates as Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) looks during the first half in Game 7 of the NBA basketball Western Conference semifinals Sunday, May 17, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The Phoenix Suns are interested in free agent guard Jamal Crawford, interim general manager and vice president of basketball operations James Jones told Bickley & Marotta after the 18-year NBA vet was reportedly spotted in the lobby of Talking Stick Resort Arena on Friday.
“I like Jamal. I know him personally. He’s a great player, he’s a great guy,” Jones said on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station. “Those are the types of players that we will look towards as we go through the season. More importantly, it’s not even about who potentially could be here or who’s out there. I’m focused on who’s here and we know who those guys are.
“Jamal is a name that — a guy that we’re looking at. He’s someone that we’ve expressed interest in, one of many names.”
98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station’s John Gambadoro went on to report that Crawford was indeed visiting Jones and Suns head coach Igor Kokoskov.
Free agent guard Jamal Crawford is visiting with GM James Jones and coach Igor Kokoskov today.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) October 12, 2018
Crawford averaged 10.3 points and 2.3 assists per game on 41.5 percent shooting from the field for the Minnesota Timberwolves last year.
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The three-time Sixth Man of the Year winner previously played for the Los Angeles Clippers (2012-17), the Portland Trail Blazers (2011-12), the Atlanta Hawks (2009-11), the New York Knicks (2004-09), Golden State Warriors (2008-09) and Chicago Bulls (2000-04). He was the Bulls’ first-round pick in 2000, taken eighth overall out of Michigan.
The 6-foot-5, 185-pound guard is 38 years old and could offer the Suns a unique option at the point guard slot. His ball handling and shooting could be needed with the current roster projecting that shooting guard Devin Booker will take on much of the playmaking duties as the roster is currently constructed.
Cronkite News’ Justin Parham posted a video to Twitter of Crawford entering the Suns’ office at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Friday.
Free agent guard @JCrossover Jamal Crawford spotted at @Suns Talking Stick Arena. Could the Suns be a potential landing spot for the 18 year vet? pic.twitter.com/BRG31QZGFF
— Justin Parham (@JPARHAMTV) October 12, 2018
The Suns currently have four point guards: Shaquille Harrison, Isaiah Canaan, Elie Okobo and De’Anthony Melton, vying for playing time.
Phoenix would require a roster move to sign a free agent.
