Jamal Crawford NBA’s 6th Man, a Basketball Nerd shares untold MJ stories, playoff picks | The Pivot

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In one of our favorite conversations on The Pivot, Ryan, Channing and Fred talk with NBA legend Jamal Crawford on everything from his basketball journey to Michael Jordan bond to fatherhood to life after the game and importance of legacy. Whether it is starting roles or years of advice, he’s given back a lot to the game he loves, and on this episode we get a rare glimpse of how one person can have so much love and gratitude for a sport.
When people bring up the greatest ball handlers basketball has ever seen, there is a shortlist of guys who make that group, with most of the players being shorter point guards who have made a living off of facilitating NBA games and dominating other small defenders. At 6’5”, Jamal cemented himself as one of the best isolation players from the shooting guard position and adapted a “whatever it takes” mentality to win which led to Jamal being named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year three times and the 2018 NBA Teammate of the Year which meant the most to him because it was always about who he is over what he is that matters.
As a young man growing up in LA and Seattle, Jamal shares how a random but timely interaction with Paul Pierce pushed him to be in school and approach his grades with as much love and detail as he did basketball, and once he started, the opportunities started flowing.
His natural ball handling skills and unique approach to the sport paved a path not many can walk professional sports, but Jamal did it was class and respect, being clear that playing basketball was never about changing his circumstances, rather it was always about his pure love for the sport and the magic feeling that took over his body every time he touched a ball.
It was after getting drafted where Jamal’s ability and basketball career truly took off and how meeting one man, forever changed his life. Sharing never-told-before stories to The Pivot, Jamal opens up how Michael Jordan took him under his wing and explains how their close knit bond on and off the court was formed. MJ deemed Jamal his go-to partner in summer ball and the duo never lost while attracting stars and celebs to their pick up games. By developing this life-long bond with the GOAT, Jamal understands how that bond changed his life on every level by just knowing he had the “Greatest Ever” in his corner, helped his career skyrocket and he even shares some off-the-court stories between the two from gambling to parties to hard lessons.
After listening to Jamal talk his basketball journey, how he approached the game, his love for the sport and ability to easily talk any aspect and break down players and plays, Ryan called him a “Basketball Nerd”, a compliment to how much he truly loves the game.
Before closing out the conversation, Jamal talks fatherhood, what it’s like coaching his son and the lessons learned through this experience. The current on-air analyst gives his take on the current NBA playoff picture, his comparison of Kyrie and Jokic and how Wembley is the emerging face of the game for years to come. Crawford has always been an analyzer, hyper-aware of all that is going on around him, and his breakdown of any situation proves just that. He may not have an All-Star appearance to his name, but he tells the guys that’s part of his story of what he gave back to a game that gave him so much.
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[@vabrova]

A moment of silence for the ankles that tried to guard this legend

[@dorianvick8932]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@moodfanatic8455]

Amen🙏🏿

[@bigbidnezznunnery5320]

Amen

[@user-ut5xe4oy3g]

Best non all star ever to play the game. Walking bucket…..

[@jarredfrancis6355]

😂😂😂

[@HAWK7268]

I tuned in for the Jordan stories, I stayed cause of the humbleness and humanity of the best 6th man in NBA history, salute.

[@kedrickgamez]

Me too honestly

[@djgreen6206]

Facts bro

[@lefty577]

Absolutely🎯

[@AwakenedZion]

Jamal was the Truth. He deserves so much more Respect...

[@stanleed.harold5457]

Still is

[@cyberft]

He gets the right amount of respect for someone with zero championships and no success as a starter.

[@jacquelinesterling2693]

💯💯💯

[@2iggy_]

He gets respect from the people that matter, so that's fine.

[@SwashBuckler311]

Facts Stressing education Bro is The Man Much Respect Due 🫡

[@jayhandley47]

I have known Jamal since he was in HS, he has always made me proud on an off the court. It's crazy to see him at 40 now. he still has that light in his eye. Super generous and polite. The 206 loves you, J.

[@user-pi1rj8of6r]

He really was/is 💯 I have quite a few NBA players as family retired & active including my nephew now. Everytime from him being @ Michigan til 3 years ago... He's ALWAYS been the same whenever I've seen my dude

[@Christopher.Jackson.]

It's his eyes. They're pure

[@Webb_BK]

Listening to Jamal talk about things that inspire him is amazing. He is locked in and so informational. RESPECT to J

[@willardth]

Yes we do. 206!!!

[@chrisnguyen592]

ONE of the most underrative player in the NBA 💯👍

[@richardrussell216]

J.Crossover one of the best to ever do it. He once gave me and my best friend 2 garage bags full of Nikes in 2001-2002 at the Chicago ProAm. This man use to go to the tournaments in the projects and put on a show. Real dude fosho💯💪🏾

[@jaceoallwell2583]

Channing prospective Is needed.. he says what most are not willing to say.. or Ask. And still able to give the guest there flowers.. 👏🏾

[@khbrown8963]

*their

[@roubansfaroul9461]

*perspective

[@jaceoallwell2583]

Thanks for the proper annunciation and grammar guys.. I could've just been typing fast and did not care . I mean. You got the point.. 👏🏾👏🏾

[@Troywitthecoi]

It comes from a dumb loving heart😂😂

[@notacat7127]

@@khbrown8963you never know he might actually give someone flowers on an episode so fuck it, it works

[@Kevin-rf4my]

"my game's loud" how is he so humble and so fucking cool at the same time

[@thatomalebese9160]

Too smooth 🧖🏽‍♂️

[@exlimited3938]

@46:21

[@253collectibles]

Such a legend 😂😂

[@theoldbk5419]

Jamal Crawford always felt like he was an nba version of a young Mos Def. Highly intelligent, personality and game was abstract, and they both have a different swag and confidence!!

[@jdiezmc]

That's a dope comparison ✊🏾

[@josephjjenkins1549]

Yes, it is 🤙🏾 ​@jdiezmc

[@trainatgameshape]

This man deserves to be inducted to the Basketball Hall of Fame and an Emmy in the same year.

[@zipacino92]

Manu, Lou Will, Jamal Crawford & JR Smith was the most exciting 6 men of my era

[@notacat7127]

Take manu off he was a product of the spurs system

[@brandonhinrichs4393]

And JR was really exciting because everybody wondered how JR would look amazing then f*ck everything up when he was left in during crunch time

[@specialKE]

Lamar Odom

[@notacat7127]

@@specialKE crack rock

[@keithmoore6334]

💯💪🏾👍🏾🔥

[@LoganTheSHOW_]

My mother has kidney problems just like Nate. Love you Nate ❤keep fighting if y’all can say a prayer for my mother thank you 🙏🏽

[@rorydouthard3636]

Jamal Crawford will always get a view from me. Cool dude!

[@hugh_jazznuts]

That's a fact!

[@sadiebaker3803]

Could listen to Jamal Crawford all day. One of the best interviews

[@williamsc2429]

THIS INTERVIEW WAS SPECIAL 🔥🫡🔥🙏🏽

[@j.branch819]

Jamal was not just a great basketball player he’s an even better person. The stories he told about the summers in Chicago were true 💯

[@dana.j9062]

Jamal Crawford is a genuine Beautiful human being!!

[@NatesGurl11972]

He's definitely a beautiful man

[@jdagreat4595]

Im 35 anyone whom watched basketball in my era . Loved crawford game and style if play.dude was beyond talented

[@MrJamb0ree]

TRUTH!!!!!

[@Mr.A221]

As a Hawks fan it was hard seeing him leave the A

[@rhakeemstennett5017]

MAN!!!!!! Not only an amazing basketball player and teammate, but even a more exceptional human being!! Jamal is a selfless person to whom needs to be celebrated more. I truly wish he received his flowers while he was in the league. However, the genuine man that sat for this conversation appeared to be completely content with the person that he has become away from the game. His honesty and transparency bleeds through in every fiber of his being. Ryan, Chan, Fred and the Pivot team bring the best out of their guests. Thank you all for another awe inspiring conversation. 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️

[@jlatt4788]

I was always a fan of Jamal as a player, but getting to see his human side more off the court makes me a fan of him as a human being. GREAT DUDE 💯

[@bighova09]

My god father is a Corie Blount. One of them street dudes Mr. Crawford is talking about is my dad lmao. They tell stories of Mr. Crawford gambling and how he was not leaving until he either got his bread back or lost assets lol. They used to have “ Black Card” parties at Shaq’s house because Shaq had a legit atm reader so when that cash got low, they’d just swipe and play. All them dudes were really nice guys tho. Treated me like a nephew regardless of how much money they lost lol. Whoever was up used to give me 100 bucks just to run over to the cooler and get ‘em drinks lol

[@awalker8820]

You could’ve left dudes name out like Jamal did. 😂

[@bighova09]

@@awalker8820 The only person who’s name I used was my Godfather because that’s just who brought my father and I around. It’s common knowledge that Corie was on the Bulls and the Lakers. I’m Shaq’s parties are commonly talked about in podcasts. And I’m definitely not the first to mention Mr. Crawford’s gambling habits

[@willhoward261]

I have always admired how he articulates his knowledge of the game, and he carries himself well as a person.

[@xvader9445]

Being born and raised in Detroit, Jamal Crawford was always my Dude. I saw him at UofM many times

[@MrJamb0ree]

Don't need to be from Detroit to fuck with Jamal, I'm from Houston and Jcrossover always been my favorite player

[@E_Blizack206]

JC is a standup man. A leader in our community!

[@lenny364]

Jamal Crawford is class personified. Humble, gracious and just a solid guy. Great interview. Wishing Jamal nothing but future success.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🦾🦾🦾

[@causeyouonthatgame3684]

Jamal always got good energy man lol

[@JoeTJones300]

Hey guys I’m 76 years old i played 11yer pro football 🏈 my brother played for 15yer and coached 15yer for the same team that drafted him he was a real pioneer HOF I’m very proud of y’all enjoy y’all life do me a favor try to get pioneers on your show take care

[@remidibeatz8780]

Such a dope fact he told. Never knew that was him in that commercial!

[@rodstep2209]

Jamal Crawford is one the smartest basketball player the game has ever seen. What a wealth of knowledge on display during his interview. Thank you Pivot for another outstanding interview. Keep up the good work!👏🏽👏🏽💯💯💯

[@BMMR05-Brandii]

Yesssssss Jamal Crawford..one of the real ones to talk about the game!! Fellas need to bring back the passion for the game..and play as a team...bring the defense👏🏿👏🏻👏🏽🏆🏆🏆👏🏿👏🏻👏🏽🏆🏆🏆

[@user-gb7kc6xj1r]

I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't remember Jamal Crawford as an NBA player, but I'm appreciative of getting a glimpse of the human he is. This was the interview I didn't know I needed.

[@MrFrankie34]

Bro how????? He was coldddd most 4 point plays in history

[@user-jl9dv3oj8e]

Jamal Crawford is brilliant, watching this made me appreciate him even more 💯

[@seattlesavagediehardHawk]

I have major love for all the Basketball stars that honed their game in the streets and playgrounds of Seattle. I never got to play against Jamal as he was coming up as a teenager. I've seen him crossover many ankles at Green Lake, the inside and the outside courts. Thank you Pivot Podcast for another amazing l Interview and to Jamal Crawford for always being the man that he is. Time to get Gary Payton and/or Shawn Kemp

[@wandac.8382]

I am so enamored with Jamal! First time listening to him, so intelligent and I am sure a GREAT COACH!!! It is great to watch my brothers talk about themselves in such a real way😊😊😊 And helping the next generation of brothers giving back to our community!

[@DSmith4ChristKC]

This man said “Joker is not playing against you, he’s playing against your Coach…” That might be one of the coldest things I’ve EVER heard someone say to compliment another hooper! 🔥💯

[@devinbell4949]

One of the best interviews. Jamal really is a good dude and deserves his flowers

[@SEMAJLIVE]

The players like this is the reason I respect and have love for the show. Thank you! Now go get James Harrison.

[@aliciamclaughlin-ratliff2528]

The theme song to this pod is hands down one of the hardest in the game. The beat comes in on 10, head bobbing, energy right, ready to zone out and get it! Then you add a guest like Jamal Crawford to the mix with one of the best podcast crews on KZbin...bruh??? This is magic! Ryan Clark really makes me proud to be a New Orleanian and a native "Algerian"😜 Frfr, the formula is clutch, and you men are Titans amongst the elite of the elite. Salute to the pod, salute to the prep that goes into what you all bring to the table, and salute to how big this show is to the culture of sports, entertainment, and archetype of the interview.💪🏾🤞🏾😎✨️

[@rorydouthard3636]

I love to see men hug. This was a great episode. A real treat.

[@judahsingleton3217]

This 6th man really the number one option to get buckets to me. Hands down one of my favorite and an legend for sure.🙌🏿

[@KenJohnsonFlyfishing]

Thanks for this one! You three are the perfect mix of personalities. Jamal is Seattle basketball royalty, right up there with Lenny Wilkens, Fred Brown, James Edwards, and Gary Payton. I wish he could have finished his career as a Sonic.

[@Webb_BK]

Listening to Jamal talk about things that inspire him is amazing. He is locked in and so informational. RESPECT to J

[@ernesthunt1252]

Jamal was a great ball player, but, more importantly he is an even better Man. I wish he never left my Chicago Bulls! I really loved this interview.

[@jakekajkut5651]

Jamal is an amassing smart man, same as you guys. Thank you!

[@JerseyMac11]

My favorite player hands down. I always found pride in my favorite player being someone ppl don’t always consider until they think about it and it’s immediately clear why

[@delanocooley6364]

Jamal Crawford analogies were on point in this interview

[@ganxstanip388]

1 of the Best Interviews that I’ve Ever Seen(1luv)

[@georgestonework4624]

Walked into a LA Fitness in Renton about 12 years ago and saw a 6’5 dude at the end of the court crossin over everyone, made the layup and turned around and I was like, it’s J Crossover… makes sense.

[@curtisck813]

This is by far the best podcast period!!! That opening intro is 🔥🔥🔥....and Jamal Crawford is a real one!!!! Nothing but love and respect for that brotha 💯

[@richdiaz6079]

Straight dog, him and Penny crazy big point guards with handles...and a straight up inspiration...

[@drehicks505]

There isn't 100 guys I would take over him EVER on a hoop court.. I been a fan since 88.... If ya know ya know.... 💯

[@artiejohnson40]

Jamal speaks so well, he should definitely be on a basketball panel on ESPN or somewhere talking about basketball!!! Awesome human being

[@bokim2505]

I grew up in Seattle in the 90’s. JCrossover was a f’ing legend from Rainier Beach HS. This man is a probably one of the most humble athletes I’ve heard. This was The Pivot’s best episode. All you men are true inspirations. 🔥

[@andreparadise]

I met is WONDERFUL mother at one of my comedy shows in portland oregon❤❤ she so so nice. Several years late ironically i met him at a damn comedy show. He came back stage took photos with me and was mad cool. Big big fan 🎉🎉🎉

[@jdavis334]

This, by far, has been one of my favorite episodes of 2024. Jamal was underrated, and I would put him amongst my top former NBA Players. Keep doing Big Pivot things, my Dudes.

[@clytchan]

As genuine as it gets. Dude is inspirational af. Going forward, I’m sure his life outside of basketball is going to be dope.

[@hboogi]

Most humbled mega-talented player in history!!!

[@bashawnofficial6806]

Best 6th man of all time and a very humble dude

[@yvonkahaddock8398]

So much respect for Jamal Crawford and his game.

[@christofrivers913]

One of the best episodes, Jamal is a legend 👏🏽👏🏽

[@TGPI]

J-Crossover...the master of the four point play. He was the common cold of basketball, no remedy for him! Great show you guys were meant to work together, you can tell because it's not work. It's y'all hanging out and we are invited to watch. Great questions and we get a peek into the personal lives of the guests. This show dropped a lot of gems and life lessons. The authenticity of J-Crossover words you can feel them! 🙏🏾✌🏾♥️💪🏾🛡️

[@bobbythespaceghost9934]

20 years in the league! It shows you how good he was. Dude has a classy aura with him as well.

[@4LEAFCLOVER1980]

Jamal is one of the best handlers of a basketball 🏀 that I’ve ever witnessed! This was an excellent interview! Great to hear him explain his life story. This was a GREAT one PIVOT!!!

[@jondoe1603]

Jamal was cold homies. Good show fellas.

[@theultimatelibra21]

I believe that Jamal Crawford being the 6th man of the year gives him the unique ability to teach the youth by example that it doesn’t matter WHERE you are on the bench, whether you’re a starter or bench squad, if you put the work in and play every game the right way, you will be successful.

[@xavianpatton4377]

I hope his son listens to all this wisdom

[@anthonyvanburen3998]

Jamal is one really good (great character) brother. Damn. I felt that brother when he was speaking. Respect💪🏾💙🙏🏾 “I’m playing the forever game.”

[@comedianbrianteague8470]

Loved his game, love him even more as a man....very very humble, salute!

[@NicholasTre_]

Been a life long clippers fan and crossover hands DOWN my favorite clipper of all time. Super disappointed when he left. Love watching him on tnt. Will forever be a fan of him. Didn’t expect this. Super dope seeing him get his flowers 🔥

[@goldenmoonakak.d.3978]

One of the best ball handler that ever touch a ball in the NBA

[@georgeyeboah5295]

Yes and always been a fan of Jamaal but seeing how more so humble he is and kind love this brother even more now keep blessing others king and stay blessed!

[@VuNguyen-bo4mo]

I meant Jamal Crawford working at his summer Pro-Am back in the early to mid 2010s, I can say that he is genuinely one of the nicest people around. He will have a convo with you as if you are his family. The way he is in this video, that is how he is in real life, no cap. As far as some other Seattle pro hoopers, that isn't always the case. I've listened to him talk about many stories regarding his NBA careers at work, I'm glad he was able to share more throughout this interview. Just a great basketball player, but even a better person!

[@RunDatBacKen]

This man really knows basketball 💯, listening to how in depth he goes describing the game is amazing.

[@cyberft]

What an amazing ambassador for the game of basketball.

[@jeffchandler7083]

This interview was dope. I’m a huge Crawford fan after this. Basketball IQ off the chain.

[@keithechols4391]

One of the most underrated players in the history of basketball.

[@nkuni94]

What a SPECIAL human being!!! "God blessed me because he knew that I'd bless others"!!!

[@Calyp5.0]

I can't speak enough on the part of the interview on JC coaching his son and how he had to change up how he approached that relationship. I am struggling with this exact concept with my son and being the head coach of his pop warner football team. That jewel of knowledge JC dropped was everything! Appreciate you and The Pivot!

[@antoniowashington7973]

Great interview. He will always be in my top 5 players of all time. This catapulted him up as 1 of the top people as well

[@momthimunye8653]

One of the best, if not, the best shows the Pivot has ever produced! Much love to JC - I can listen to this dude spit game all day. Super authentic. Great teacher. Comes from the heart. Thanks for a dope show! 🙌🏾

[@bigbidnezznunnery5320]

I Love Getting Game From Older Guys Too

[@alfhhfhhdhfjfhf1799]

When you stop learning, you stop living...ONE LOVE BRO!!!

[@bruiserb8116]

Crawford had the it factor and jordan acknowledged him

[@artiejohnson40]

THANK YOU FELLAS!!! HAD NO IDEA JAMAL CRAWFORD WAS LIKE THIS... ABSOLUTELY AWESOME INDIVIDUAL!! GREAT MAN!! 👍👍👍

[@jawaanbrown5262]

This is a brilliant interview. Just to see how comfortable he is and free to give answers is dope.

[@Badhigh22]

"My games loud. I didn't even talk on the court".....Bars!!

[@charlestaylor4978]

Jamal is an inspiration. A true and kind leader. You were nice with the rock, you're twice that in how you live your life. Thank You!!

[@klwstl]

Idk why the handshake moments is always good....

[@Ray-ku9ds]

Jamal's a great guy, one of the best interviews I've watched in a long time.

[@departfromevil2000]

Jamal Crawford the ageless wonder is a real one, great interview! Top 10 in handles all time!

[@popssmithers9416]

Man JC, I’m not a big basketball guy but your energy, attitude and personna are equally yet separately AMAZING! 🏀Skills?!? Drop the mic 🎤

[@dywonerobinson6377]

To not have Kenny Anderson in these conversations about the best handles is just crazy to me

[@gand808]

This was Fantabulous! Jamal is a basketball player that I loved to see play.

[@julianthomas391]

Salute to the Pivot!! You are appreciated!!

[@kennytaylor0126]

These untold Jordan stories are dope. JC is a cool cat w/ top-3 handles of all-time

[@knowledge2580]

Wow. That was inspiring. He is an awesome human being.

[@peelow1913]

S/O to jumpman for letting a young Jamal be apart of history in that Gatorade commercial I know that meant the world to him ❤

[@ah8064]

There have been many great episodes but this is definitely one that was “felt.” I honestly feel blessed from it. Thank you, Pivot Crew. ✨

[@allgoodwoods219]

I met Jamal after he got drafted to Chicago at ESPN Zone in Chicago. He was very cool. I met Jordan in 2004. Michael was great to me! Jamal still could get buckets today! He’s true definition of a hooper!

[@marcusrangel8250]

Man jamaal seems like the coolest dude 💯

[@tyrellpatterson]

You can just see the Love of God radiating through him in this episode. One of the best episodes hands down. Amazing Job fellas!!

[@Trechosen1]

Jamal Crawford is the whole testament! Awesome dude!