Jamal Crawford was born in Seattle, Washington. Jamal played for Rainier Beach High School for only two years but made a tremendous impact on the school and team. He led the Rainier Beach Vikings to the 1998 WIAA State Championship title and the school showed their appreciation to him by retiring his high school jersey number (23) in 2001. Jamal would go on to be an outstanding player for the University of Michigan. He entered the N.B.A. draft in 2000, and was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers and then immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls.

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Jamal has left an amazing impact on every city he has played in, including his home of Seattle and the state of Washington. He created the Jamal Crawford Foundation to give back to and positively influence children and the community. Through his Foundation, he has: funded a new basketball court for Rainier Beach High School, provided ongoing support for athletic trainers at Seattle Public High Schools, funded a new court for Liberty Park, donated a library to a school in the Bronx, assisted in the funding of a youth basketball league for the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, and much more. Jamal truly enjoys giving back to his community as he arranged his 3rd Annual Back-To-School Giveaway and joined other professional athletes and politicians in hosting a "Thanks-Give-N-Go Turkey Give- Away" to donate Thanksgiving dinners to families in Seattle in 2011.

 

Jamal credits his family, friends, and life experiences with his humble and giving nature, also his tenacity and perseverance. "...my grandmother in Seattle taught me about karma and giving my all in everything I do and never giving up. Don't be satisfied."

 

With commendable awards such as the Thurmon Munson Award and the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award, and a supportive family, Jamal does not take anything for granted.

 

"Sometimes it's more about the journey than the destination."