Simple question here... who will make the better two-guard for the Bulls next season? Assuming Jay Williams is our PG of the future (and all indications are as such) and Rose is our 3 for the next 3-4 seasons, the only major minutes to be had are at the shooting guard position. Forget about all the hype surrounding these guys, draft slots, endorsements via MJ, etc.. and let's compare the two. [one note: E-Rob was purposefully left out of this debate b/c he is a buster; he's got his cheddar and is only good for two dunks a game]
1. Shooting - slight edge goes to Hassell; Crawford is a better pull up jumpshooter while Hassell excels off the pick and roll and shooting an open set shot; Hassell is a more dependable 3 point shooter
2. Passing - edge goes to Crawford; with Jay Williams and Rose handling the rock will Crawford get his touches? he needs to work on moving w/o the ball; Hassell is an adequate passer
3. Defense - big edge goes to Hassell, often matched up against the opposing team's best wing player (T-Mac, Kobe, Stack, etc), the Bulls best on the ball defender; Crawford is a decent defender though gets smashed on any pick-and-role
4. Rebounding - edge goes to Hassell; bigger body helps Trent grab a few more here
5. Intangibles - even; Hassell has earned the respect on the court w/ solid and consistent play, Crawford showed some flashes after coming back strong from his ACL injury
Don't get me wrong guys, I like Crawford a lot. But if I'm going to battle in the East next season, I want Hassell getting major minutes at the two. His solid defense, rebounding and shooting is something the Bulls need. Crawford has shown a nice floor game and outside touch, but I don't see his game fitting in well with Jay Williams on board. Yes, they can 'coexist' as everyone has been saying, but I don't think we'll see that situation too often. This is Jay williams' team now, and Crawford needs to either alter his game or get ready to pack his bags. If JK finds a worthwhile package, Crawford will be headed out West in no time.
Your opinions welcome.
VD
1. Shooting - slight edge goes to Hassell; Crawford is a better pull up jumpshooter while Hassell excels off the pick and roll and shooting an open set shot; Hassell is a more dependable 3 point shooter
2. Passing - edge goes to Crawford; with Jay Williams and Rose handling the rock will Crawford get his touches? he needs to work on moving w/o the ball; Hassell is an adequate passer
3. Defense - big edge goes to Hassell, often matched up against the opposing team's best wing player (T-Mac, Kobe, Stack, etc), the Bulls best on the ball defender; Crawford is a decent defender though gets smashed on any pick-and-role
4. Rebounding - edge goes to Hassell; bigger body helps Trent grab a few more here
5. Intangibles - even; Hassell has earned the respect on the court w/ solid and consistent play, Crawford showed some flashes after coming back strong from his ACL injury
Don't get me wrong guys, I like Crawford a lot. But if I'm going to battle in the East next season, I want Hassell getting major minutes at the two. His solid defense, rebounding and shooting is something the Bulls need. Crawford has shown a nice floor game and outside touch, but I don't see his game fitting in well with Jay Williams on board. Yes, they can 'coexist' as everyone has been saying, but I don't think we'll see that situation too often. This is Jay williams' team now, and Crawford needs to either alter his game or get ready to pack his bags. If JK finds a worthwhile package, Crawford will be headed out West in no time.
Your opinions welcome.
VD