April 7, 2006 -- THE least likely candi date has become Larry Brown's favorite Knick - Jamal Crawford, the no-defense, shot-happy guard. Or at least that was his rep entering his first season under Brown.
When Brown talks about players quitting on him, Crawford is on the opposite side of the spectrum. During a season of chaos and disaster, Crawford has been a constant, never rocking the boat, making game-winning shots, playing hurt, displaying professionalism every day.
He is more a follower than a leader, but that's OK because he's the one and only Knick with the courage to want the ball in a tie game with the final seconds ticking away. No amount of locker room speeches can ever top that gutsy attribute.
Crawford's 17-foot, game-winning fallaway that beat LeBron James and the Cavaliers on Wednesday marked the fourth time in his two seasons as a Knick that he's won the game in the final 10 seconds. Stephon Marbury - who last month turned down a chance to take a final-minute shot in the huddle, advising Brown that Crawford should get the ball instead - has made just two game-winners in the final 10 seconds as a Knick, none this season.
Today, Crawford will be honored essentially as the Knicks' MVP - called the OppenheimerFunds Team Contributor Award - for his performance on and off the court. After the Cleveland win, Brown lavished Crawford with the highest praise he's bestowed during this 20-54 catastrophe.
"He's the most improved player I've ever coached," Brown said. "He's as good a kid as I've ever been around. He does things for the team to a fault."
There are some Knicks who have either stopped listening to Brown or have disrespected him outright. Marbury, Nate Robinson, Eddy Curry, Jalen Rose and Qyntel Woods, who shot back at Brown in a recent huddle, are on that list. Crawford remains the rapt student.
"I'd be crazy to not listen to a Hall of Famer who's seen everything," Crawford said. "He's coached great players. That's what I want to be, a great player. I'd be crazy not to listen to him. I always feel he knows what's best for our team."
Crawford was a big disappointment last seaSon. But when he's really on, the Knicks almost never lose. His statistics are never hollow. He's averaged 21.8 points during Knick wins; 10.7 per game during the losses. It is still about making Crawford more consistent, but it's also about getting more players with his insides.
Brown has said the club must ship out at least one or two of the crowded five-man backcourt. Tough defender Quentin Richardson and Crawford appear to be the guys Brown wants to keep.
Marbury, Steve Francis and Robinson are on the out list. Marbury has been indifferent about wanting to return from his knee strain while Crawford plays on with knee tendinitis. Ironically, the Knicks were once willing to give up Crawford for Francis.
Crawford has been yanked around by Brown as much as anyone, losing his starting position on opening night after starting all preseason. He hasn't let it affect his will. In fact, Brown has talked in recent weeks about Crawford becoming the Knicks' best perimeter defender.
Who would've thunk it? Crawford becoming Brown's guy. That's how upside down this tragic season has been. But at least it's one tiny shred of hope to cling to out of the mess Brown has made.
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