Getting to Know New Orleans Pelicans’ Jordan Crawford: AKA Instant Grits

Mar 11, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Crawford (4) celebrates after scoring a three point basket in the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Crawford (4) celebrates after scoring a three point basket in the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
5 of 6
Oct 8, 2015; Boulder, CO, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jordan Crawford (15) dribbles the ball around Denver Nuggets guard Matt Janning (12) during the second half at Coors Events Center. The Nuggets won 112-94. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2015; Boulder, CO, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jordan Crawford (15) dribbles the ball around Denver Nuggets guard Matt Janning (12) during the second half at Coors Events Center. The Nuggets won 112-94. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Crawford is a veteran of the Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, and ……New Jersey Nets….and the BULLS?

Jordan Crawford became the first Musketeer underclassman drafted in the NBA and fifth in its history (which includes former Pelicans David West, and James Posey), when he was taken 27th overall by the then New Jersey Nets.

Moments later, he went to the Atlanta hawks, sitting at #28. The trade sent Crawford in exchange for Damian James, who had been taken 24th.  His contributions there would be minimal, as he added four points per game at an average of ten minutes, appearing in only 16 games.

Jan 2, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Celtics shooting guard Jordan Crawford (27) reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the 2nd half at the United Center. The Bulls won 94-82. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Celtics shooting guard Jordan Crawford (27) reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the 2nd half at the United Center. The Bulls won 94-82. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

After but half a season, the former Hoosier/Musketeer would be in a deal to the Washington Wizards. It was just what the young man needed.  As a rookie, he reached 39 points against the Heat (and LeBron) and a triple double against the Cavaliers (not LeBron).

But after 1.5 successful seasons of trying to pass superstar John Wall for playing time, Crawford was again traded midseason in 2013. This time, it was to the Celtics for Jason Collins (remember him?) and LeAndro Barbosa. If you’re keeping track, that’s three times in two seasons Crawford is a part of a trade……

Mar 22, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

After starting admirably in place of the injured Rajon Rondo and winning Eastern Conference Player of the Week Honors, Crawford was then shipped midseason in 2014 to the Golden State Warriors in a three team trade with the Heat that also involved Marshon Brooks and Joel Anthony.

He would score 41 points in the final game of the season on April 16th, 2014. But at the age of 25, it would not be enough to earn another NBA contract. In 2015, he would be signed to a contract by the Chicago Bulls, but was waived before playing in a single regular season contest.