J-Craw: "By The Time I Get to Phoenix..."

[lethalweapon3]

http://www.csnnw.com/pages/landingblazers?Source-Suns-will-pursue-G-Jamal-Crawford=1&blockID=690806&feedID=5212

Update: Broadcaster for the Phoenix Suns, John Bloom, tweeted: "Jamal Crawford just told EJ on press row and Alvin Gentry on the sidelines that he "needs to be here in Phoenix" w/ Blazer teammates nearby."

Portland Trail Blazers guard Jamal Crawford will be courted intensely by the Phoenix Suns, a source within the organization tells CSNNW.com.“Aside from Steve (Nash), he's (Crawford) high if not the top free agent priority on their list,” the source said. “He would fill a need at the two-guard position and he knows they want him.”Tonight against the Suns, Crawford looked like the scoring threat that the NBA has grown to know exploding for 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assist off the bench after sitting out last night's game against the Sacramento Kings.Crawford has a player option for next year and is expected to opt out making him an unrestricted free agent.If you ask Crawford, he'll tell you that this has been the most challenging season he's endured as a professional and a change of scenery to the desert, very likely could be his next stop.

There's supposed to be an interview on Portland local radio where Jamal will clarify himself in a few minutes.~lw3

[Admin]

That sure doesn't sound like something Jamal would say so definitely need to reserve judgement on it.

[MaceCase]

Outside of Atlanta, Jamal just seems to have that "wrong place at the wrong time" curse going on for him.

[lethalweapon3]

http://www.blazersedge.com/2012/4/17/2956027/canzano-blazers-g-jamal-crawford-responds-to-report-of-expressed

Earlier Tuesday, we noted that a Phoenix-area broadcaster tweeted that Portland Trail Blazers guard Jamal Crawford was engaged in some dialogue with Phoenix Suns coach Alvin Gentry and broadcaster Eddie Johnson during a Monday night game in Phoenix.

The broadcaster tweeted that Crawford told the pair that he "needs to be here in Phoenix" with one of his teammates "nearby."

Crawford gave an interview to John Canzano of 750 AM The Game in which he explained his side. Here are a few clips.

"I've known Alvin Gentry for years. It was just a conversation between me and him as far as, they were one of the teams that came after me a bit last year. I got some shots going and I was just talking trash to him, like, 'Hey, you could have had me.' It was more of a game type situation, tongue-in-cheek, I was shocked it got that much attention. I've known him for years. I know coach Cartwright, his assistant, for years. It was just a running conversation during the game. There was nothing malicious or crazy about it whatsoever as was reported.

"Him, or whoever tweeted it, couldn't name one teammate who heard me say that. It's impossible. That wasn't the conversation... No teammate could say that.

"It's been a rough year. It's not a year I anticipated for myself and the team. I know anything can happen in the summer. A lot of the conversation has been had because of the opt-out that I had. I've said over and over again I'm not sure what I'm going to do. But if I did opt out for whatever reason, it doesn't mean I want to leave... I'm not down on Portland at all. I've really enjoyed the fans, the organization and my teammates... If I did become a free agent this summer I would give Portland a long look if they had interest in bringing me back.

"I've never been one to run when things got tough... I wasn't even going to respond to it but more and more people were tweeting about it. Like, 'You turned your back on us.' That's not the case at all. I've played as hard and the best I could give in every circumstance I've stepped on the court. Whether it's not playing this game, or playing this position, or not playing much, I've tried my best. Those conversations, talking trash, that's part of the game."

~lw3