Ben McLemore or Joe Crawford? The NBA Stat Breakdown

Few NBA comparisons generate more debate than Ben McLemore vs Joe Crawford. The numbers reveal a genuinely competitive matchup — Joe Crawford takes 3 categories while Ben McLemore claims 2, making this one of the closer head to head comparisons at the SG position. Every statistical category matters in a matchup this tight.

Joe Crawford's Rebounds Per Game of 4 compared to Ben McLemore's 2.3 represents a 73.9% advantage — dramatically better than their counterpart in this critical category. Ben McLemore falls 43.9% below the career average of 4.1 in this category while Joe Crawford exceeds it. It is the single most decisive number in this comparison and the clearest statistical argument for Joe Crawford's edge.

The most competitive category in this matchup is Free Throw %, where Ben McLemore posts 78% against Joe Crawford's 100% — a gap of just 28.2%. Ben McLemore can point to this as evidence that the overall comparison is closer than the final 3-2 tally suggests. In any debate, Free Throw % is the statistical ammunition for the Ben McLemore side.

In NBA history, backcourt players are judged on their ability to create offense for themselves and teammates alike. Points per game captures scoring but assists and efficiency metrics reveal the complete offensive picture.

The verdict favors Joe Crawford — 3 categories to 2 — but Ben McLemore makes this far from a one-sided debate. Anyone building the case for Ben McLemore has real statistical ammunition particularly in Free Throw % where the gap narrows to just 28.2%. The numbers have spoken, but the argument will continue.