On his blog Alan Hahn wonders what impact Monta Ellis’ contract will have on Jamal Crawford, and Mike D’Antoni believes Crawford can reach All-Star status under his watch.

“Crawford is five years older than Ellis (who turns 23 in October), but you have to think he should be able to command a similar contract – similar, I said, not exact – if he puts up the kind of season this year that D’Antoni thinks he can in his system. D’Antoni has told me and others that he thinks Crawford can reach all-star status playing in his system.

And if Jamal can become an all-star and drop 20 per for a second straight year (of course winning would help, too, not to mention a playoff appearance for the first time in his career), it wouldn’t be surprising to see him opt out of his current contract next summer. He would walk away from the final two years and over $19 million if he knew he could get $11 mil per in his next contract. Pushing 29, time isn’t on his side.”

No one’s been more critical of Crawford’s game than I have, mostly because I don’t want him making decisions with the ball all game. And I do think if the right deal is there you should move him in a heartbeat. But, it will be interesting and exciting to see what D’Antoni has up his sleeve. I hope it includes a lot of screens and off the ball movement a la Rip Hamilton, but seriously, who on earth is going to pay for Jamal Crawford?