NBA Rumors: 4 Factors to Jamal Crawford Signing with Memphis Grizzlies

Jamal Crawford has been a hot name among free agents who will be available when the lockout ends.  The Memphis Grizzlies may want to take a look at Crawford.

Crawford provides the instant scoring off the bench that any team would love to have.  He can jump start the offense or start a rally when needed.

The Grizzlies could use some scoring off the bench.  Following are some factors to the Grizzlies signing Crawford.

Why Grizzlies Should Sign Crawford

The Grizzlies don't find much scoring ability in their starting guards, O.J. Mayo and Mike Conley.  Conley shot 44.4 percent last season while Mayo shot 40 percent. 

Also, Grizzlies backup guards don't add much scoring support.  Tony Allen is a defensive specialist.  Josh Selby is raw talent after spending just one year at Kansas.  

Crawford would give the Grizzlies a significant scoring lift in the backcourt.  He's an instant scorer off of the bench.  He would be a high-impact player for the Grizzlies, who badly need an effective scorer in the backcourt.   Coming off the bench, Crawford would add dimension to the Grizzlies offense.

What Do the Grizzlies Give Crawford?

While the Grizzlies would be looking at one of the more sought-after free agents, they may want to moderate their offer for Crawford.  Crawford, at 31 years of age, is in the middle of his career.  

Crawford probably has one big year left in him and two or three more good years after that.  A three-year deal would be the best option to maximize the return on investing in Crawford.  

Thus, the Grizzlies would get the best of Crawford's remaining playing years.  

Paying him $7 million per year would be fair.  The Grizzlies' general manager wouldn't want to go crazy paying Crawford.  After all, he is moving toward the later years of his career.

Where Would He Fit in the Grizzlies Rotation?

Currently, the Grizzlies starting lineup looks set.  Unless they trade O.J. Mayo or don't re-sign Marc Gasol, the Grizzlies will look the same as they did at the end of last season, with Mayo and Conley starting at guard. 

Crawford will be the first or second guard off the bench.  That depends on whether the Grizzlies see more need for offense or defense off the bench.  

If they want an offensive jump, Crawford comes in first.  If the Grizzlies need defensive support, then Tony Allen would be the first option.

Sometimes, the Grizzlies varied the starters at guard.  Sam Young, Xavier Henry and Tony Allen occasionally appeared in the starting lineup.  If the Grizzlies decide to do the same this season, they wouldn't want to put Crawford among the occasional starters.  

Crawford doesn't score as well as a starter, but he comes with greater energy off the bench.

Odds of Crawford Signing with Grizzlies

Odds of the signing:  5 to 2

Crawford is a hot name on the free agent market, and several teams may be pursuing him.   He could favor re-signing with the Atlanta Hawks.  Others might be willing to pay more for Crawford. 

Michael Heisley might be unwilling to give Wallace the money to pursue Crawford as competitively as other teams.  Also, Wallace might have to consider how much to pay a free agent addition after re-signing Gasol.

The fit for Crawford is good.  

The Grizzlies are weak in scoring from the guard positions.  Crawford would be joining a very good team. With an extra scorer like Crawford, the Grizzlies would be primed for a shot at the NBA Finals.  

The Grizzlies have a reasonable chance of signing Crawford, but the chase for him will be competitive.