http://www.nypost.com/sports/knicks/60353.htm

If Jamal Crawford keeps this up and the Knicks keep up their renaissance, Crawford may play himself into the NBA Sixth Man Award.
Crawford scored 25 points in last night's win over the Hawks, his fourth straight 20-point game.

When Crawford was excelling back in December, Larry Brown did not feel compelled to place him back into the starting lineup, believing his explosiveness off the bench was something the Knicks needed.

"I don't look at him as a sub," Brown said. "I want him to get major minutes. The thing what I like about him coming off the bench, I could plug him in for Steph [Marbury], Nate [Robinson] or sometimes go small (with three guards). He seems to be enjoying the role. If you're really being fair and he said he wanted to start, I wouldn't have a problem with that, either."

it makes sense though. When he comes in he is another ball handler and scorer, and steph probably needs a little breather (on the court) so you let Jamal run the offense and Steph plays off the ball. It does make sense, and it has been working. AND Craw is actually playing consistant for a nice stretch now. But it is kinda cheap if he wins it because he really is a starter. I'll still celebrate it the same though, one of our boys got it and I'll be happy as hell.

Frank Ramsey! The Sage getting sagacious!

In the olden days, guys like Red Auerbach understood the importance of having a very good sixth man and usually they would make one of their top players that man. The whole point of it is it doesn't matter who starts the game as long as your best players end up getting major minutes and finish the game.

Crawford is certainly one of our best players right now and this role is perfect for him. I hope he keeps it up.

Same thing happened with Ben Gordon. He was a 6th man because he didn't start, but he always got major minutes, especially in the 4th. I think this is the best place for Craw, a place where he is really needed and where he is having so much success.

He is enjoying it so thats the best. He has been playing a great game and his shooting has improved a lot...

Posted by fishmike:

I think its Nate thats put him into the bench role. I like Nate better as a starter because his energy help guard against the slow starts. Also since coming back from the ankle Crawford has gone for 37 minutes a game in those 3 games. 25 points, 7 boards, 3 assists and shooting 46%

two words: wow

I got some more words. You coulnd't ask for anything more then that from 6th man or best Shooting Guard. Jamal has been phenomenal.

I think it also allows Jamal to be the leader of the second group when Steph is on the bench. This takes a lot of pressure off of Nate and allows him to just play instead of worrying about leading. It's never about starting your best players it's about setting up the best combinations. There is sometimes too much emphasis upon starting. Who cares if you are getting 35 minutes anyway.

I love the way Craw is playing. Remember when he was shocked and upset when he wasn't starting. Our staff taught him real quick about what being a good teammate is about and now he doesn't care. Our staff is doing an unbelievable job teaching these guys what being a teammate is about. Dam-n last night I saw Mo T drawing charges, Curry diving for loose balls, Marbury turning it over, sprinting back and breaking up a 3 on 1. Guys that have been known all their careers as lazy or pouters are now keeping their heads up and diving for loose balls. Sacrificing for the team. And some still seem to think that our staff did a bad job coaching the first 25 games. Watching Curry dive on the floor tells me that something was done.

Posted by Bonn1997:

For all those who say Isiah can't do anything besides draft players, the Othella, Frank Williams, Mutombo trade for Jamal and JYD was a great trade

So was Nazr for David Lee and a #1.

So was Kurt Thomas for Nate the Great.

So was a bunch of junk for Stephon Marbury.

Posted by Marv:

Posted by Bonn1997:

For all those who say Isiah can't do anything besides draft players, the Othella, Frank Williams, Mutombo trade for Jamal and JYD was a great trade

So was Nazr for David Lee and a #1.

So was Kurt Thomas for Nate the Great.

So was a bunch of junk for Stephon Marbury.

I agree; just because Isiah is an outstanding drafter doesn't mean we can appreciate that he's still a fairly good (though far less good) trader. I was sticking to JC because this thread was about himm, though.

Wasn't Bobby Jones a sixth man for the Sixers?

Cazzie Russell wasn't exactly chopped liver eithet

Jamal for MVP

Posted by misterearl:

Wasn't Bobby Jones a sixth man for the Sixers?

Cazzie Russell wasn't exactly chopped liver eithet

Jamal for MVP

Yeah - they started Iavaroni - the east coast version of Rambis!