Jordan Crawford shows no fear, discretion for Hawks

Hawks guard Jordan Crawford showed no fear in his first NBA game, and coach Larry Drew admires that quality in his rookie.

Crawford didn't show much discretion, either, and that's something Drew plans to address.

Crawford missed 10 of 15 shot attempts during the Hawks' 115-111 overtime exhibition loss to Memphis on Thursday at Philips Arena.

“I think I am going to have to settle him down just a little bit,” Drew said. “He’s an aggressive kid, an attacker, and that is intriguing. But shot selection is important on this level.

“I don’t want to take away his aggressiveness, but he’s got to be more selective.”

Crawford missed his first four shot attempts, but didn't shy away from looking for more. With the score tied at 99-99 and less than 10 seconds to play in regulation time, Crawford rebounded a miss and acknowledged he didn't think about passing before missing a shot at the buzzer.

Crawford scored 13 points in 29 minutes and added four rebounds and three assists against two turnovers.

“I was disappointed in how I played,” Crawford said. “I really didn’t get in a rhythm. I didn’t get comfortable. I probably was thinking too much, too.”

Hawks guard Joe Johnson was among teammates urging Crawford to keep shooting after his slow start.

“You want a guy with that confidence,” Johnson said. “He’s got a lot of talent. I’m going to keep pushing him and encouraging him.”