Jamal Crawford’s Hall of Fame Nomination Sparks Nostalgia for Bulls Fans
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has unveiled its list of candidates for the Class of 2026, and for the second consecutive year, the Chicago Bulls have a name in the spotlight. This time, it’s none other than Jamal Crawford, a former Bulls draft pick, joining the ranks of other notable nominees like Blake Griffin, Candace Parker, and Elena Delle Donne. Additionally, long-time NBA coach Mike D’Antoni and former NCAA coach Bruce Pearl are making their first appearances on the ballot.
Crawford’s path to this moment traces back to the United Center, where his professional journey began. Drafted eighth overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2000, Crawford was immediately traded to the Bulls, a franchise still reeling from the end of the Michael Jordan era. Initially, Crawford faced challenges in establishing himself within a struggling squad. However, he gradually found his rhythm, particularly during the 2003-04 season, which marked his breakout year.
A Career Begins in Chicago
In that standout season, Crawford averaged 17.3 points, 5.1 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. He quickly became known for his explosive scoring ability, most memorably showcasing this talent when he scored 50 points in an overtime victory against the Toronto Raptors. This remarkable feat placed him among an elite group of Bulls players, joining legends like Michael Jordan and Jimmy Butler, who have also eclipsed the 50-point mark in a game.
Despite his potential, Crawford’s time in Chicago was short-lived. After four seasons, the team decided to trade him to the New York Knicks as they continued their rebuild. This move ultimately paved the way for Crawford to redefine his career.
Rising to Prominence as a Sixth Man
Following his stint with the Knicks, Crawford found his niche as one of the league’s most valuable sixth men. By the early 2010s, he had firmly established himself in this role, winning the Sixth Man of the Year award three times throughout his career and finishing in the Top 5 of the voting on six separate occasions. His time with the Atlanta Hawks and later the Los Angeles Clippers was particularly noteworthy, where he contributed significantly to the dynamic Lob City teams alongside stars Blake Griffin and Chris Paul.
A Testament to Longevity and Resilience
What truly sets Crawford apart is his remarkable longevity in a league characterized by physical demands and fierce competition. Over the course of 20 seasons, he demonstrated incredible durability, participating in 76 or more games in half of those years. Notably, he played all 82 games at the age of 36 during the 2016-17 season and followed it up with 80 games at 37 in the 2017-18 season. His resilience has earned him a spot among the top 20 players in NBA history for games played.
Crawford also etched his name in the record books as the oldest player to score 50 points in a game. At 39 years old, he achieved this milestone in the 2018-19 season with the Phoenix Suns, scoring 51 points against the Dallas Mavericks in a dazzling performance.
Potential Hall of Fame Induction
If Crawford is ultimately inducted, he will become the 14th Hall of Famer to have played for the Chicago Bulls, following Dwyane Wade, who was enshrined in 2023 after one season with the team. Moreover, Crawford would be one of only five Hall of Famers to have launched their careers in Chicago, joining the illustrious company of Scottie Pippen, Toni Kukoc, Michael Jordan, and Artis Gilmore.
As the basketball community awaits the official announcement, Crawford’s nomination stands not only as a recognition of his individual achievements but as a celebration of his contributions to a franchise that continues to evolve.
