Timberwolves Introduce Jamal Crawford

The Timberwolves introduced their newest player at a press conference earlier today, putting Jamal Crawford front and center to make a first impression on the Twin Cities.

Crawford, a veteran signed for the Room Exception, didn’t disappoint; he’s clearly another in the line of vets the Wolves have acquired this summer who know the drill when it comes to media and fan relations.

As usual at these things, there wasn’t much in the way of revelations, but a few things worth noting.

Crawford reiterated something he said last week, which that one of the reasons he chose the Wolves was that he wanted to “embrace the journey with these guys.” That he felt it would be a more meaningful experience here as opposed to joining the Cavaliers, who have already been there.

He spoke of being proud to have played in all 82 games last season, and that it’s a testament to taking care of himself on and off the court, “Shape has no age...I stay ready so I don’t have to get ready.” And also spoke of sacrifice—in terms of shots and minutes. One interesting thing he said was that perhaps the funnest time in his career was going to Atlanta and coming off the bench for the first time, and learning to be a part of something bigger.

Tom Thibodeau talked about how hard it was to game plan against Crawford throughout his career, and that his ability to score in numerous ways and make the right play, along with his experience, is what made him appealing.

Specifically, he said he expected Crawford to be somewhere in the mid-20s in terms of minutes per game, and that he could play the one or the two, and even in smaller lineups.

Intriguingly, he suggested a lineup of Teague, Crawford, Wiggins, Butler, and Towns, saying “I don’t know how you would guard that.”

Whether that’s something we see much of is to be determined, but Jamal Crawford is now officially a member of the Timberwolves, and he certainly made a good impression.