Twenty-seven years. That’s how long Jamal Crawford waited to hoist another championship trophy. Not as the dazzling high school phenom, but as a seasoned mentor, back where it all began in 1998—Rainier Beach High School. Forget the highlight reels and the NBA accolades; this was a homecoming, a full-circle moment drenched in the sweat and tears of a community.
“I ain’t hold this thing in 27 years,” he said, reliving the moment. Now, at 44, he’s done it again—this time as an assistant coach. Under legendary coach Mike Bethea, the same man who guided him decades ago, Crawford helped his alma mater reclaim glory in his very first season on the sidelines. But who would’ve thought coaching would be part of his journey? “Who knew I’d be coaching? That was never in the plans. It’s surreal,” he admitted. However, it became much more than Xs and Os for him. “It’s so much more than basketball. You’re part of those kids’ lives. The good days, the bad days, the days they need a hug, the days they need a shoulder to cry on.”
And just like his playing days, he delivered in year one. “My first year playing high school basketball, I won it with coach Mike. My first year as a coach, I won it.”
Meanwhile, a Seattle legend took notice. Nate Robinson, a Rainier Beach alum himself, couldn’t hold back his admiration. “@jamalcrawford on his 1st state championship as a coach, & he has one as a player he’s the goat,” Robinson wrote on his Instagram story, along with a picture of Crawford and the trophy. The former NBA Sixth Man of the Year quickly re-shared it, responding, “Thank you legend!”
MIAMI, FL – JUNE 7: Jamal Crawford reports on Game Three of the 2023 NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat on June 7, 2023 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Eric Espada/NBAE via Getty Images)
And Rainier Beach didn’t just win—they dominated. The team cruised through the tournament, winning their three games by an average of 19 points. For Crawford, it was a special homecoming. But for Robinson, the victory held meaning too. He walked those same halls and knew exactly what this championship meant for the community.
Interestingly, both their connection runs deeper than just basketball. Years ago, Crawford even stepped in to help save Robinson’s life.
Jamal Crawford’s urgent plea for Nate Robinson’s health
Back in October 2022, Nate Robinson shocked the world when he opened up about his battle with kidney failure. He had been fighting the disease privately for four years, but finally decided to share his struggles, hoping his story could inspire others. Unfortunately, things only got worse as time passed.
Then came the heartbreaking revelation. According to Legion Hoops, “Nate Robinson admits he ‘doesn’t have long to live’ if he doesn’t get a kidney replacement.” His condition had reached a critical stage, and without dialysis, he reportedly would have only a week or two to survive.
Seeing his longtime friend in dire need, Jamal Crawford wasted no time speaking out. He took to X, quoting the Legion Hoops report and urging action. “We have to get our brother a kidney ASAP,” he wrote, making it clear that time was running out. His message was a desperate plea for help, showing just how much Robinson meant to him.
Thankfully, a miracle arrived this February. Robinson successfully underwent a kidney transplant at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle. After an hour-long surgery, the ex-NBA guard finally got a second chance at life. And through it all, the mutual respect and brotherhood between these two Rainier Beach legends shined brighter than ever.
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