Should the Rockets be interested in Jamal Crawford? - Space City Scoop

Jamal Crawford #11 of the Phoenix Suns (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

As the Houston Rockets round out their roster, should they be interested in Jamal Crawford, who has prior experience with Mike D’Antoni?

The NBA’s “transaction window” is quickly coming to a screeching halt, as it’s set to end on June 30th. The Houston Rockets have made good use of this time, as they added 3-and-D guard David Nwaba, while releasing developmental prospect and fan favorite Isaiah Hartenstein.

At just 27-years-old, Nwaba provides plenty of reason for excitement in the coming years. But Nwaba won’t be able to make any contributions for the Rockets when the league resumes in Orlando, as he’s still recovering from a torn Achilles, which will sideline him for the duration of the 2019-20 season.

But the Rockets’ pursuit of Nwaba further validated the fact that Rockets GM Daryl Morey is targeting guards, particularly combo guards. Prior to signing Nwaba, the Rockets were rumored to have been interested in Tyler Johnson, who also fits the mold of a combo guard, although he’s certainly a much different player than Nwaba.

With Nwaba unavailable for the resumption of the season and Johnson having been signed by the Brooklyn Nets, what are the Rockets’ other free agent options at guard? Sure, there’s guard/forward J.R. Smith, who could provide valuable 3-point shooting, but he’s widely expected to be signed by the Los Angeles Lakers to replace Avery Bradley, who backed out due to legitimate concerns over his 6-year-old son’s health.

So where does that leave the Rockets? Well there’s another name that should be considered, as he has experience and familiarity with Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni.