Jamal Crawford claims modern NBA has ‘handicapped’ defenders leading to unreal scoring numbers

Jamal Crawford, the six-time Sixth Man of the Year, describes the scoring surge in the league as the averages keep increasing each season. 

Jamal Crawford claims modern NBA has ‘handicapped’ defenders leading to unreal scoring numbers

With unlimited scoring averages and players putting up near triple-doubles, Jamal Crawford had some words for today’s game.

To get an idea of how easily teams have been producing more points, look at modern-day statistics. The surge in three-point attempts has also contributed a lot to the heavy scoring in today’s era. 

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Also, the idea of positionless basketball has helped teams score more efficiently. The defense is restricted to a lot of aspects. There have been more foul calls, which has adjusted the defense to avoid fouls. Crawford, who has played in the league for 19 years, has seen it all. Jamal Crawford explained how scoring has changed throughout the years.

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I think it's a combination of things, obviously I think talent from 1-12 is up across the board but I also think the defender is a little bit handicapped. You can't really touch a person, you can't, you know it's freedom of movement. Everybody wants to see the skills of the players, but the points right now are just, it's unbelievable though.
Said Crawford

The scoring average has gone from 101 points per game to 114.6 points in the last decade. Whereas the defenders today, as Crawford said, have been restricted in quite some aspects in guarding their opponents.

We’ve seen two 70-point performances this season alone. Earlier, a 50-point game would go on to be talked about for days. Almost everyone on the bench can score as efficiently as the starters at times.

Jamal Crawford was a sixth man with a starter’s ingredients

JCrossover was one of the players that fans would love to watch. Crawford was extremely talented, being the best ball-handler in the league during his time.

There only have been around three seasons where Jamal played as a starter. Though most of them had Crawford come off the bench. His actual potential was visible when he joined the Atlanta Hawks in 2009.

Crawford averaged 18 points, 3 assists, and 2.5 rebounds on 45% shooting. This stat line was enough for JCrossover to take home his first Sixth Man of the Year award. If such numbers were slightly adjusted, Crawford would have easily found his role in the starting lineup.

Malik Monk, of the Sacramento Kings, has been averaging similar numbers, having the best odds to win the Sixth Man. With the scoring taking a huge spike in the game, teams should be looking to play defense as efficiently as possible.

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