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via Getty

via Getty

All young hoopers dream of emulating and playing like their idol. One 20-year NBA Veteran not only got the chance to mimic their star but also went on to play for the same team in their career. Jamal Crawford had an opportunity to play a young version of Michael Jordan and had a very notable NBA career. But still, he had one regret that stayed close to his heart.

In the 2003, Gatorade, Jordan vs Jordan commercial, a young and old Michael Jordan hooped against each other where the younger MJ was quicker, but the experienced one had more skills. And Crawford played the role of young Jordan, who asks, “Is IT in you?” Years later the former Chicago Bulls star has defended his idol and Bulls legend via Social Media.

Jamal Crawford took to Instagram to post about MJ. He uploaded a picture that depicted Jordan’s playoff run during the 1993 playoff season. The post showcased Jordan’s 6 40+ points including two 50+ and his 35.1 points per game in the playoffs, followed by his 41 points per game and 40.0 3% in finals. Singing praises, he wrote, “And 7 Rebounds and almost 7 assist and 2 steals per game‼️ STOP playing y’all….

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The score was 55 points high score against the Suns’ in game 4 of the 1992-93 finals which the Bulls won. From the final, he had 3 more high scores. 44 in game 3, 42 points in game 2 which was tied with Charles Barkley. He also had scores of 54 against the Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals. Not to forget his 43 points against the Cavs in Game 1 of the semifinal playoffs. MJ had then went on to clinch his third straight MVP title after defeating the Suns 4-2. Michael Jordan’s GOAT, Mount Rushmore debate will never end. But one can absolutely be sure that his stats are of the highest order.

Prior to this, Jamal Crawford had reminisced back on his days as a Chicago Bulls point and shooting guard. However, it did not yield a similar, prideful and exciting memory, as regret loomed over a twenty-one-year-old massive decision.

One decision that haunts Jamal Crawford

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After retirement, Crawford dropped a major confession, explaining his one regret to his fans and 965k Instagram followers.

The veteran took to Instagram to share an old and nostalgic picture of his younger self in his Chicago Bulls jersey. In the caption, Crawford shared that he regretted losing his initial position of Point Guard to switch to Shooting Guard during his time with the Bulls. The poster behind him in the picture read, “I’m a Point Guard who can score.” The caption read, “My biggest regret on the court was changing positions. If only there was position less basketball then 😌🤷🏾‍♂️. TBT.” 

The 3X Sixth Man of the Year was lifted to the shooting guard position in his fourth season with the Chicago Bulls. Herein, he averaged 17.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, including a 50 point performance to the end. The role was expected to be a promotion but Crawford disagrees.

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In response to one of the fan’s question, the retired NBA player explained that he might have made at least 5 NBA All-Star appearances if he didn’t change positions. He wrote, “Wow, never been asked that. That’s my biggest regret. Changing from PG to SG. I think at least 5.”

Jamal Crawford went on to play for eight more teams after his run with the Bulls. While the journey presented no all-star or championship to his name, rewards on individual level were plenty; including Sixth Man titles, leading in free throws, and of course the role with the icon himself.