Joey Crawford, the son of a baseball umpire, always knew he wanted to be a referee. Growing up watching Philadelphia 76ers games in the 1960s, Crawford was drawn to the referees, not the players. His father, Shag Crawford, would point out prominent referees like Mendy Rudolph, Richie Powers, and Earl Strom, and Joey would watch them intently.

Early Beginnings

Crawford’s mind was made up at the age of 13, and he earmarked refereeing as his path. More than a decade after his final NBA game, Crawford is getting enshrined in this year’s Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class.

Longtime NBA coach Mike D’Antoni, another member of the Hall’s Class of 2026, praised Crawford, saying, ‘With Joey, especially if you were away from home, you had a chance to win. He was going to call the game the way it should be called, whether it’s home or away.’ Crawford’s numbers are legendary, with over 2,500 regular-season games and nearly 400 postseason games officiated.

A Legacy of Excellence

Crawford became a beloved figure in the NBA, known for his fairness and sense of humor. Despite facing criticism and controversy throughout his career, Crawford remained committed to his craft, always striving to get the play right. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of referees, and his induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to his dedication and excellence.

Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.