Native son Jamal Crawford backs Seattle on Sonics

Like a good native son, Jamal Crawford is back in Seattle, hoping to turn his fame into goodwill. That's how it works, right? You raise them, and then they raise you.

Today, Crawford will host a fundraising event at Talaris Conference Center called "High Tops and Helping Hands," aimed to improve the quality of athletic training in local high schools. He's one of many Seattle-bred NBA players still tied to home. Brandon Roy, Nate Robinson, Spencer Hawes, Jason Terry — too many to name in a tight space. They've turned this city into a hoops hot spot, and they're committed to maintaining that standard.

Crawford dips his head when talking about the biggest potential blow to the mission — losing the Sonics.

"It's crunch time for sure," he says softly. "I can't imagine a city like Seattle without a team."

The New York Knicks shooting guard plans to attend the Save Our Sonics rally Monday on the lawn outside the U.S. District Court building. Inside the building, the city will be fighting for Seattle's pro basketball life.

It's still shocking to think that we've arrived at this dire point. Crawford keeps wondering where he would be without the Sonics.

A spectacular talent, the former Rainier Beach High standout probably would've made it to the NBA without the inspiration of a local pro team. Pro athletes come from all types of markets. But Crawford can't say for sure. And he can't help but wonder how restricted the next generation of Seattle ballers will be without the Sonics to spur their dreams.

"It helped having the Sonics, there's no doubt about that," Crawford said. "I lived in Los Angeles for a while, and I wasn't a Sonics fan. But when I came back, I was all about Gary Payton. Watching him play motivated me. It means the world to me to have the Sonics here."

In two days, Crawford will see his idol Payton standing behind a podium, pleading for a 41-year institution to be rescued. Payton is the rally's headliner. He will be the one stirring the most emotion.

But Payton is merely a spectator in this game. For all his greatness, he can only do so much. And for all this city has given its basketball prodigies, those players are left helpless to assist in this matter.

"If there was something else we could do, I'm sure we would all do it," Crawford said. "But the hard part is, there's not a lot we can do. We want the Sonics around. They've meant so much to the city and to us."

This battle is up to the lawyers and judges now, but having people voice support still matters, especially voices as prominent as the stars who have benefited greatly from living in an NBA city.

Crawford finds himself in an interesting personal/professional pickle. He's at home, experiencing the depression of the Sonics' likely relocation, while his team appears to be rising from despair.

After living through a listless period in Knicks history, Crawford has seen his team make two hires that should spur a turnaround. First, Donnie Walsh took over as the Knicks' personnel boss. Then Walsh fired Isiah Thomas and brought in Mike D'Antoni to coach this team.

Now 28, Crawford enters the most important phase of his professional career. He's in his prime. If he wants to stand out as a local great, he must win. Although the Knicks require much reconstruction before that can happen, they finally are moving in the proper direction.

Provided he plays to his abilities, Crawford is an ideal fit in D'Antoni's up-tempo system. Robinson, another Seattleite on the Knicks roster, should benefit as well. Crawford spoke with his new coach earlier this week and came away both impressed and reassured that he would have a featured role.

"I can't wait to get started," said Crawford, who averaged a career-high 20.6 points last season. "He feels like we're not as bad as people think we are. And he feels like, personally, he can take me to the next level. So I was really excited to hear that. He said we're going to have a lot of fun this year."

Crawford said he will miss Thomas, his former coach and general manager. He admires Thomas so much that he wears No. 11 to honor him. But as the Knicks fell to a 23-59 record this past season, he witnessed the toll that failure took on Thomas. Change was the best solution.

That's especially true when change includes a wide-open style of play and more opportunities for Crawford to showcase his creative game. He must become a more efficient scorer (career field-goal percentage: 40.3). But with an offense that creates more open looks and encourages improvisation, Crawford has a better chance to improve.

His professional life looks more promising than ever. He just wishes he could say the same for the Sonics.

"They're not my team," Crawford said, "but they are my team. All I can do is hope for a miracle."

Jerry Brewer: 206-464-2277 or jbrewer@seattletimes.com