Profile Overview and Career Summary
Javaris Crittenton is an American former professional basketball player best known for his one season in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing 6 feet 5 inches, he played shooting guard and was regarded for his athleticism and defensive effort. Crittenton declared for the 2007 NBA Draft after one year at Georgia Tech and was selected with the 19th overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers. His NBA tenure included time with the Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, and briefly the Washington Wizards. This profile provides a factual account of his career trajectory, performance metrics, and context within professional basketball.
College and Draft Entry
Georgia Tech and 2007 Draft Decision
Crittenton played college basketball at Georgia Tech under head coach Paul Hewitt. During his lone collegiate season in 2006–07, he averaged 15.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, shooting 43.9 percent from the field. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and perimeter defense made him a notable prospect. He entered the 2007 NBA Draft and was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 19th overall pick.
NBA Career Seasons and Teams
Crittenton’s NBA career spanned parts of four seasons, primarily with the Los Angeles Lakers and later the Memphis Grizzlies, with a brief stint involving the Washington Wizards. He appeared in 98 regular season games, averaging modest minutes in a league featuring high-level competition. Below is a concise breakdown of his team-by-team performance across his NBA tenure.
| Team | Season | GP | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAL | 2007–08 | 33 | 1 | 8.9 | 2.4 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 38.9 | 30.8 | 62.5 |
| MEM | 2008–09 | 63 | 7 | 14.9 | 3.8 | 1.8 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 41.5 | 27.3 | 62.5 |
| WAS | 2009–10 | 2 | 0 | 4.5 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Career | Total | 98 | 8 | 12.4 | 3.3 | 1.5 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 41.0 | 27.6 | 62.5 |
On-Court Contributions and Play Style
In his brief NBA stint, Crittenton’s primary contributions came on defense and in transition. He posted modest scoring averages across his seasons, with his highest full-season output coming during his 2008–09 campaign with Memphis. His shooting percentages remained around league average for guards, and his usage was typically situational. He was more frequently recognized for effort plays, contesting shots, and facilitating in small-ball lineups rather than as a primary offensive option.
Career Context and Notable Moments
Crittenton’s NBA journey was framed by the depth of guard play on his respective rosters. He saw action behind established starters and was part of young rebuilding efforts—particularly with Memphis in the late 2000s. While injuries and roster moves curtailed his opportunities, his tenure illustrates pathways for late-first-round and early second-round picks in an era of high positional versatility. Off the court, his story has been discussed in broader conversations around player development and the challenges of sustaining an NBA career.
Comparative Context: Late First-Round Guards
Placing Crittenton within his draft cohort helps contextualize performance and career length. The table below compares key metrics among several guards selected in the 2007 NBA draft class, illustrating relative usage and career durability.
| Player | Draft Pick | NBA Seasons | Career PPG | Career RPG | Career APG | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Javaris Crittenton | 19 | 4 | 3.3 | 1.5 | 0.6 | Reserve guard |
| Rodney Carney | 16 | 6 | 4.6 | 3.1 | 0.9 | Role player |
| Stephen Curry | 7 | 14+ | 24.5 | 4.6 | 6.5 | Star guard |
| Daequan Cook | 21 | 4 | 2.9 | 1.9 | 0.9 | Reserve guard |
Common Queries and Clarifications
Current Status and Activity
As of the current date, Javaris Crittenton is not listed among active NBA players. He has not appeared in professional games since his final NBA stint concluded in the early 2010s. Various reports indicate he has pursued other opportunities, though specifics remain private.
Key Takeaways
- Single-season college performer at Georgia Tech who entered the 2007 NBA Draft.
- NBA career included the Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Washington Wizards, spanning 98 regular season games.
- Career averages of approximately 3.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game.
- Best statistical season occurred in 2008–09 with Memphis, averaging near 4 points and 2 rebounds per game.
- Primarily viewed as a reserve guard whose impact was felt through defense and transition play.
Terminology and Context
For readers less familiar with NBA analytics, this section clarifies common terms related to player evaluation. Points per game (PPG) represents total points divided by games played, offering a standardized measure of scoring contribution. Similarly, rebounds per game (RPG) and assists per game (APG) normalize box score impact. Field goal percentage (FG%) reflects shooting efficiency from the field, while three-point percentage (3P%) and free throw percentage (FT%) indicate perimeter and foul-line accuracy, respectively. These metrics enable consistent comparison across careers and eras.
Lasting Influence and Legacy
Crittenton’s NBA career, though brief, reflects the competitive nature of professional basketball and the thin margins between opportunity and obscurity. His path from a promising college season to NBA call-ups underscores the volatility of a sports career. While he did not achieve long-term roster status, his journey remains a reference point for discussions about player development, draft positioning, and the realities of sustaining performance at the highest level.
For researchers, journalists, and fans, the available statistical record provides a stable foundation for analysis. This profile is built from verified NBA and collegiate sources and is designed to serve as a durable reference for years to come.