Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jamal Crawford

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 21, 2026

Discover the career path of Jamal Crawford, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Aaron Jamal Crawford, known as Jamal Crawford or "J-Crossover", is a retired American professional basketball player who played in the NBA from 2000 to 2020. He's celebrated as one of the best ball-handlers ever. Crawford is also considered one of the best sixth men in NBA history, having won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award three times, a record he shares with Lou Williams.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2000: Crawford's NBA Debut

In 2000, Jamal Crawford began his professional basketball career in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

2000: Drafted by Cleveland Cavaliers and Traded to Chicago Bulls

In 2000, Jamal Crawford was selected 8th overall in the NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers but was then traded to the Chicago Bulls. In his first year as a Bull, Jamal struggled with his shot, but was able to score in double-digits 10 times.

2002: Key Component of Offense

In 2002, during his third campaign with the Bulls (2002–03), Jamal Crawford emerged as a key component of coach Bill Cartwright's offense. His per-game averages improved further.

2003: Fourth Season in Chicago

In 2003, during his fourth NBA season, Jamal Crawford was promoted to starting shooting guard, and had improved averages.

2004: Joins the New York Knicks

In 2004, Jamal Crawford joined the New York Knicks and averaged 17.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per contest.

2005: Reduced Role in New York

In 2005, Jamal Crawford took a reduced sixth man role under head coach Larry Brown in New York City.

2008: Traded to Golden State Warriors

In 2008, Jamal Crawford was traded to the Golden State Warriors for Al Harrington.

2009: Joins Atlanta Hawks

In 2009, Jamal Crawford joined the Atlanta Hawks.

2010: Solid Season and Playoffs

In the 2010–11 season, Jamal Crawford had a solid season averaging 14.2 points. Crawford made the game-clinching three-pointer with six seconds left in Game 3.

December 15, 2011: Signs with Portland Trail Blazers

On December 15, 2011, Jamal Crawford signed a two-year, $10.2 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.

July 11, 2012: Signs with Los Angeles Clippers

On July 11, 2012, Jamal Crawford signed a four-year, $21.35 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers.

2012: Joins Clippers

In the 2012–13 season, Jamal Crawford posted 16.5 points in the 76 games he played.

July 8, 2016: Re-Signs with the Clippers

On July 8, 2016, Jamal Crawford re-signed with the Clippers on a three-year, $42 million contract.

July 6, 2017: Traded to Atlanta Hawks

On July 6, 2017, Jamal Crawford was traded to the Atlanta Hawks.

July 19, 2017: Signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves

On July 19, 2017, Jamal Crawford signed a two-year, $8.9 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

October 18, 2017: Timberwolves debut

On October 18, 2017, Jamal Crawford debuted for the Timberwolves during their season-opener and scored 10 points in a 107–99 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

December 18, 2017: Season-high 23 points against Portland Trail Blazers

On December 18, 2017, Jamal Crawford scored a season-high 23 points in only 23 minutes, with 16 of them scored in the fourth quarter during a 108–107 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

March 30, 2018: 24-point effort against Dallas Mavericks

On March 30, 2018, Jamal Crawford had a 24-point effort in a 93–92 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

October 17, 2018: Signed with the Phoenix Suns

On October 17, 2018, Jamal Crawford signed with the Phoenix Suns.

July 9, 2020: Signed with the Brooklyn Nets

On July 9, 2020, the Brooklyn Nets announced that they had signed Jamal Crawford as a substitute player for the remainder of the 2019–20 season.

August 4, 2020: Debut with the Brooklyn Nets

On August 4, 2020, Jamal Crawford made his debut with the Brooklyn Nets against the Milwaukee Bucks, becoming the oldest active player in the NBA at the time and the oldest Nets player to ever appear in a game.

November 2021: Started doing game broadcasts for NBA League Pass

In November 2021, Jamal Crawford started doing game broadcasts for NBA League Pass alongside Quentin Richardson.

2021: Commentary on NBA League Pass

In 2021, Jamal Crawford began providing commentary on NBA League Pass.

March 21, 2022: Announced retirement from NBA

On March 21, 2022, Jamal Crawford officially announced his retirement from the NBA.

2022: Became a regular color analyst for The NBA on TNT

In 2022, Jamal Crawford became a regular color analyst for The NBA on TNT, also becoming a fixture on the Tuesday studio team.

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2023: Continued NBA on TNT coverage

Jamal Crawford was a regular color analyst for The NBA on TNT starting in the 2022-23 season, also becoming a fixture on the Tuesday studio team.

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2024: Commentary on MSG Network

In 2024, Jamal Crawford began providing commentary on select games of MSG Network's coverage of the New York Knicks.

2024: Left The NBA on TNT and signed with MSG Network

In 2024, Jamal Crawford left both positions after the conclusion of The NBA on TNT's coverage of the 2023–24 season and signed with MSG Network's coverage of the New York Knicks.

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