DUB Daily

Classified as the “city that never sleeps,” New York is known for many things, but ask any New Yorker what they think their city is known for and you’ll probably get back its mouth-watering New York-style pizza and the famous Knicks.Upon a recent visit to the Big Apple we were lucky to catch a “New York minute” with Knicks shooting guard Jamal Crawford. At 6 feet, 5 inches tall, Jamal looked more like a male model you’d find in GQ Magazine, but No. 11 of the Knicks is just fine with his current gig.Growing up, Jamal favored the Chicago Bulls (America’s it team at the time) and the legendary Michael Jordan. He tried to mimic Michael’s moves (and even those of Earvin “Magic” Johnson), always trying to see if he could steal some of Jordan’s game. Fast-forward to today’s athletes, and Jamal is still amazed with what some of his peers (like Knicks teammate center Eddie Curry) can accomplish on the court.Now, Jamal is the man on top, mentoring today’s youth and being a positive role model by trying to do the best he can. Jamal’s love of the game is so intense that if it were up to him, he would play for free. “The money made provides the opportunity to provide for your family and loved ones, so that’s always cool,” he says. “But then the negative thing about it is there’s always people coming at you, so much that you have to differentiate yourself from them, which may sometimes be the hardest part of this sport.”Jamal definitely makes it a point not to have all his financial eggs in one basket by diversifying and keeping his interests close at hand. He plans on opening a restaurant with a sports theme, most likely back home in Seattle, Washington. There’s also talk of doing a clothing line based on a group of friends called “Home Team,” who are a group of Jamal’s homies from back home.But his friends aren’t the only reason he goes back home. When visiting Seattle, he gets “old school” with his 1967 Oldsmobile, his favorite toy of his collection of rides. Always wanting an old school car, Jamal finds that the Olds is a perfect combination of both classic lines and superior horsepower. He especially enjoys it during the summer, when the weather is better in Seattle. “‘Old school’ will never go out of style, in my opinion; they’re classics,” Jamal says. But, as for the newer rides in his stable, Jamal picked his Benz for its overall looks and ride-style. When he feels like cruising with his friends, Jamal opts for his orange Hummer H2, which is like a big kid’s Tonka truck; it has lots of room for him and his crew, a custom stereo system boomin’ and some big MHT wheels wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires.As for Jamal’s court action with the Knicks, there were some ups and downs this past season. On the upside, Knicks coach Isaiah Thomas was given an extension on his contract, and the team stepped it up for him, as well as for each other. Having faith in their coach, as well as a united team, made for a better season with Jamal being the second highest scorer in the club. “Pressure to win definitely keeps you motivated. Everyday can be a pressured environment, so it keeps you on top and focused,” he describes. But, being injured with a fractured ankle impeded Jamal’s game, and all of New York—as well as his teammates—hopes Jamal will be in a healthier form for this season.Besides basketball, Jamal takes pride in his family life. Jamal’s son is No. 1, and he encourages him to try and do his best. Jamal is not pushing him into sports, but the boy is a charismatic, bright kid, and Jamal finds it exciting to see his son grow up. “Talking to him is like talking to a 16-year-old, but he’s only eight years old,” he says. “He really likes movies and acting.”Jamal wouldn’t mind doing some acting himself one day. Hey, who knows? He might be on the big screen with his son one day. But Jamal’s main thing right now is to get better. “I’m staying positive while healing. I’m keeping that energy up and getting ready for the next season,” he says.