Take an All-Access look at Denver's title-clinching win over Miami.
The NBA Mailbag is here to answer your questions throughout the 2023 offseason! Have a question for Jamal? Submit it at the bottom of this edition of the NBA Mailbag.
What do you think was the biggest factor during Denver’s title run?
– from Lester in the Philippines
Their selflessness was the biggest thing that stood out to me, besides obviously the play of Jokic and Murray. From the first guy to the last guy, they all played with the same unselfish spirit.
Do you think the Nuggets will win multiple titles?
– from Julio in Miami, FL
I’m not sure. But now that they’ve experienced it, they have the blueprint for how to get back there. So that will help a lot going forward.
Is Jamal Murray a top 5 point guard right now?
– from Ambah in Milwaukee, WI
He’s the best point guard right now because he’s on the best team. He’s the last man standing.
Check out some of Jamal Murray's best plays from the Finals.
What do you think is the next step for the Miami Heat?
– from Tyler in Cincinnati, OH
The Heat are set up for success. They have basically every box covered. They’re just missing a dynamic scorer to go with what they already have.
In your opinion, what was the greatest NBA Finals run of all time?
– from Bradley in New York
I’m not sure off the top of my head. But right now, the Joker’s run is definitely up there. To lead the whole playoffs in points, assists and rebounds … it speaks for itself.
Nikola Jokic's updated resume pic.twitter.com/hZ5gZnFRkZ
— NBA (@NBA) June 13, 2023
In these Finals, Bam and Jokic showcased their passing skills and IQ to developing big men across the world. Do you believe there will be a point in the future where the majority of NBA teams have a playmaking big in their rotation?
– from Caleb in Denver, CO
The majority of NBA teams would like to have a playmaking big in their rotation. But that’s what makes them so unique, there aren’t a lot of them out there. Moving forward at the youth stages, I think it will be more accepted to see bigger players play point guard. So yes, that could make playmaking bigs more prevalent in the future.
Who are your all-time top 5 centers?
– from Chase in Montana
In no particular order:
- Shaquille O’Neal
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Bill Russell
- Wilt Chamberlain
- Hakeem Olajuwon
But Jokic’s script is still being written. Could he crack the top 5?
What team do you predict will be the most active this offseason?
– from Isaac in Ukraine
Most likely a team firmly in a championship window that hasn’t won yet, like the Suns or Sixers.
If offered a job on a coaching staff, would you take it?
– from Michael in Cleveland, OH
How do you know I wasn’t already offered a job? ¯_(ツ)_/¯
But I am coaching! I’m coaching my kids and loving it.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Jamal Crawford (@jamalcrawford)
What’s your favorite lesson hanging out with MJ as a rookie?
– from Jollyjo in Hassle, Sweden
The work ethic stood out to me right from the start. Once I saw his work ethic, it opened my eyes. It was like, “Oh wow. This is why he’s so great.”
What was the best game that you ever played?
– from Pratik in North Andover, MA
In the NBA, I would say scoring 52 against the Heat was the hottest night of my life.
Outside the NBA, it was when I scored 118 points in a summer game.
Who was the best trash-talker in the league? And who trash talked you most?
– from Daniele in Caserta, Italy
Nobody trash talked me the most. The best trash-talker in the league was Gary Payton, by far.
Who do you think is the most unguardable player in NBA history?
– from Bradley in New York
Shaq.
Were there any guys in your career that barely got playing time but you felt they were good enough to have a larger role or even be a star?
– from Paul in Fort Collins, CO
Trenton Hassell. He was very talented and skilled. But he was a pro, took his role in stride, and tried to master his role. But I thought he was definitely a couple of opportunities away from being really known.
Besides yourself, who is the most underrated passer who was known as a scorer?
– from Shan in Houston, Texas
Good question. Blake Griffin. When you see him, all you think about are the dunks and jumping over cars and tall buildings. But he was such an exceptional passer and smart player. Those parts of his game are underrated to me.
Do you think that there is a certain level of frustration coming from American players in the last couple of years since the best players right now are from non-American countries (Nikola, Giannis, Embiid, Luka)? And do you think that, because of that, American players have extra motivation to beat them?
– from Adin in Bosnia and Herzegovina
No, I don’t think there’s extra motivation at all. If anything, it serves as an inspiration because it shows the game is global and that there are great players all over the world. There could be some great players out there that you don’t know about yet, but you will in the future. So that motivates you to continue to improve because there are players all over competing for a spot in the NBA.
What is it like having fans everywhere? Do you get annoyed? Do fans really mean that much to NBA players?
– from Rosie in Maine
Honestly, it’s surreal because I used to dream about having fans. So for me to be able to go to certain places for the first time and have fans there, it’s a blessing. And I never get tired of it. I’m very thankful and blessed by it.
What does the game of basketball mean to you after retiring?
– from Filipe in Rotterdam, Netherlands
It means the same thing to me as it did when I was playing. My love for the game will always have a hold on me. I just see the game from a different view right now and that’s really cool as well. There are so many different layers and viewpoints to the game of basketball. Now I’m looking at the game from a totally different angle for the first time, which has been great. I’m still learning about the game even though I’ve been around it for so long.
Do you chat with other NBA players?
– from Maira in Michigan
Yeah, I chat with other NBA players pretty often. Some are older, some are younger, some are just starting their career, and some have just finished their career. It’s cool to be able to connect with the different guys in the brotherhood.
What is the best way to become involved in the NBA and basketball world, without actually playing in the league?
– from Elliott in Australia
There are so many different things attached to the game. Whether it’s photography or writing or working for teams. There are so many ways you can be involved with the sport, learn about it, and promote it so other people can learn about it for the first time. Just find what your passion is within that and go for it.
What finger do you use to shoot the basketball? Index, middle, ring finger? Also, does having small hands create a big disadvantage?
– from Qasim in England
That’s a good question because I’ve never thought about what finger I use to shoot. I wasn’t formally taught to shoot, which is interesting because my dad played. The thing I remember most is him just saying to follow through … make sure your elbows follow through.
And yes, small hands do create a big disadvantage. If it’s impacting your play, maybe try working on hand strength exercises.
I’m working on my handle game to create space, what are some tips I could use in a game?
– from Heath in Illinois
Play 1-on-1. It will not only help you identify space, but it will help you learn what moves to do in certain areas to get space. Playing 1-on-1 is a cheat code to becoming a better player in games.
What would you recommend to people who started playing basketball late in their lives?
– from Joel in Buenos Aires, Argentina
It’s never too late to start. Just pick up a basketball. I was in the gym with a guy a few weeks ago and it was his first time shooting a basketball. But he really enjoyed how it felt. Another guy and I helped him get his form together in five minutes. He started making shots and was beaming. I looked at the other guy and said, “Isn’t it cool that we helped somebody make their first baskets?” So it’s never too late to start.
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