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

Xinjiang Flying Tigers, Tianjin Ronggang, and the NBA D-League

In 2014, Crawford appeared in five games as a member of the Xinjiang Flying Tigers. Then, his career took another turn, after being acquired by the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA Developmental League. He would dominate to the tune of 25 points, six rebounds and five assists per game. But it would not be enough to audition for another NBA team.

Then after his release from the Mavericks Summer League and after five preseason games with the Chicago Bulls before hitting the waiver wire, Crawford would return to China and the Tianjin Ronggang. His greatest achievement was a 72 point game, in which he also collected 16 rebounds on 25/52 shooting, including 33% from three.

After his stunning accomplishment in Tianjin, Crawford had much of China and Europe knocking. He spent the summer contemplating a contract in Barcelona with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

But on October 30th, 2016 Crawford joined the Grand Rapids, his last D-League stop before joining our heroes.  Averaging 24, four and three, Crawford never lacked for confidence. His tweet at Lebron will certify. Lebron at the time was hollering in dramatic fashion for a playmaker.

“Bron, holla at yo boy”

-Crawford, January 21 (tweet has since been deleted, reported by CBS’ DJ Siddiqi)

Jordan Crawford had been coming off a staggering five games stretch with 14.2 points per game in 23.4 minutes of action per contest.

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But the Cavs made the mistake of signing Deron Williams instead. On March 6th, the Pelicans gained the forgotten scrub, with just enough moxie to make the end of the 2017 season and beyond, something to behold.