Are Terrence Williams And Jordan Crawford Part Of Celtics Future Plans?

Mar 1, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics shooting guard Jordan Crawford (27) reacts after making a shot against Golden State Warriors point guard Jarrett Jack (not pictured) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Recently Terrence Williams, who was initially signed to a 10 day deal with the Boston Celtics, had his contract renewed, not only through this season but next year’s as well. Williams, who has been a journeyman for most of his career, may have found a home in Boston as the Celtics will retain him through 2014. This doesn’t usually happen, but in the time that he has played, Williams has contributed more than expected. His precision passes and high basketball IQ has earned him a backup point guard role and minutes on the floor.

Jordan Crawford on the other hand was traded to the Boston Celtics from the Washington Wizards. Crawford is signed through next year as well, but he does have a team option on his contract, which, if he doesn’t pan out, the Celtics can release him after the season. However, Crawford has shown signs of potential, and in his days with the Wizards he’s proved that he can score in the league and be an effective player, whether he’s starting or coming off the bench. Friday night against the Golden State Warriors, Crawford got meaningful minutes in the fourth quarter and knocked down two tough shots to help Boston seal the deal.

When I look at Crawford’s game he’s very similar to Nick Young, isn’t as streaky of a shooter, but he can make difficult shots throughout a game. Crawford has come to Boston with the right attitude, and hopefully being around a defensive oriented team he’ll add defense to his game. Mostly known for his offense, Crawford would add another dimension to this team as he has the speed to keep up with most guards in the league. He’s got the athleticism and speed that is similar to Tony Allen, and if he can develop a defensive game he’s going to be a very valuable player, whether in Boston or elsewhere.

Together, when Terrence Williams and Jordan Crawford are on the court at the same time, their individual games elevate to another level. In Phoenix, Williams knew where Crawford was and was giving him some wide open looks from the perimeter. Their chemistry on the court would suggest that they’ve played together for years, but amazingly, they’ve only been Celtics for two weeks.

They don’t just make each other better, but also the players around them. Also in Phoenix, both Crawford and Williams were getting Fab Melo the ball where he could get the easy layup instead of forcing him to work for his points. Because of those passes, Melo got himself to the free throw line, and he looked the most comfortable he’s been all season.

Seeing that the Celtics signed Terrence Williams to basically a two year deal, he could be part of future plans. Boston is looking to make him a backup point guard, and in the few games he’s played, his vision on the floor allowed him to make some threading the needle type passes. Crawford would be worth retaining with Leandro Barbosa tearing his ACL and damaging his MCL. A major injury like that requires a lot of time to heal, and if Crawford steps up now he could be Boston’s backup shooting guard next season.

What makes both Williams and Crawford appealing to the team is that they’re young. If they get fully acclimated into the system and play to their full potential, Danny Ainge looks like a genius since he didn’t give up much for Crawford, and nothing for Williams. There have been bright spots during the time they’ve played over the last few weeks, and if they can come up big in the playoffs, the Boston Celtics may have found their backcourt that’s coming off the bench for the next few years. But where does that leave Jason Terry and Courtney Lee? This question will no doubt be answered over the summer.