Clippers’ Jamal Crawford keeps rising on NBA’s all-time scoring list

Up and up the NBA’s scoring list Jamal Crawford goes, and where he stops nobody knows.

Actually, the Clippers shooting guard said he has an inkling.

“If things go well and I hopefully stay injury-free and keep moving,” said Crawford, who began Wednesday in the No. 97 spot in league history with 16,272 points, “I have an idea.”

No, Crawford wouldn’t share it. He passed former Clippers swingman Randy Smith and Hall of Famer Paul Arizin on Monday. After scoring only two points in the Clippers’ victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, he needs 24 points to pass Stephon Marbury for No. 96.

If the 16-year veteran scored 1,000 points a season, something he has done in each of the last 11 non-lockout-shortened seasons, he would pass Bob Cousy (16,960) by the end of this season, and Steve Nash (17,387) and Magic Johnson (17,707) by the end of next season.

“And Grant Hill,” Crawford said while being told of the names, showing he’s more than slightly aware of his standing.

Should Crawford sustain that scoring pace for another season, he would pass Julius Erving (18,364) and close friend Isiah Thomas (18,822), the latter of whom is No. 54 on the all-time scoring list. That would put Crawford in possible Hall of Fame territory.

It’s a surreal possibility for someone who lists Thomas, Johnson and Michael Jordan atop his list of favorite players.

“Some of these names are unbelievable,” Crawford said.

Crawford, 35, also had an idea how many more seasons he wanted to play but didn’t want to prematurely curtail his basketball longevity.

“I don’t want to put a limit on it,” Crawford said, “because I love basketball so much and I know that the day after I retire I’ll be playing at an LA Fitness somewhere.”

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Clippers point guard Chris Paul takes the floor against the Bucks.

  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

2/11

Clippers power forward Blake Griffin throws down a dunk over Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo during a game on Dec. 16.

  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

3/11

Bucks forward O.J. Mayo pulls in a defensive rebound in front of Clippers forward Josh Smith during the first half.

  (Danny Moloshok / Associated Press)

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Clippers guard J.J. Redick gets tangled up with Bucks forward O.J. Mayo in the first quarter.

  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

5/11

Clippers forward Paul Pierce drives to the basket against Bucks forward Jabari Parker during a game last season.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

6/11

Clippers point guard Chris Paul puts up a shot against Bucks guard Tyler Ennis in the first quarter.

  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

7/11

Clippers forward Paul Pierce disputes a call as he lays on the court during the first half.

  (Harry How / Getty Images)

8/11

Clippers guard Jamal Crawford talks with Coach Doc Rivers in the fourth quarter.

  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

9/11

Clippers point guard Chris Paul steals the ball away from Bucks forward Khris Middleton in the first quarter.

  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

10/11

The lights at Staples Center go out and a logo for the Los Angeles Kings NHL hockey team is seen on the basketball court during the first half of a Clippers game against the Bucks.

  (Danny Moloshok / Associated Press)

11/11

Bucks guard Khris Middleton dribbles against Clippers guard Jamal Crawford.

  (Harry How / Getty Images)

Developing situation

Clippers Coach Doc Rivers said the team assigned second-year guard C.J. Wilcox to the Canton Charge of the Development League based on the answer to two questions.

“We call every team and ask, ‘Can he play? Will you play him a certain amount of minutes?’ ” Rivers said. “The first team that says yes, that’s where he’s going. We don’t want to send him anywhere and not play.”

The Clippers have sent players to three Development League teams this season. Wilcox and rookie forward Branden Dawson each spent time with the Bakersfield Jam and Dawson is on assignment with the Grand Rapids Drive.

Rivers said the Clippers remain in discussions to acquire a Development League team but nothing is imminent.

Quite a steal

Clippers forward Paul Pierce passed Johnson for No. 18 on the NBA’s all-time steals list during the Clippers’ victory over the Detroit Pistons on Monday. Pierce had 1,725 steals before Wednesday’s game.

Times staff writer Alex Shultz contributed to this report.