This season, (Jordan) Crawford averaged 13.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 43 games with Washington. With the return of John Wall and the development of rookie Bradley Beal, Crawford was reluctant to accept a bench role and clashed with coach Randy Wittman.

Rivers and Wittman are close, and the Celtics coach acknowledged Crawford’s attitude issues in Washington.

“I know he can score and that’s something we needed,” Rivers said. “Losing Barbosa [to a torn left ACL], I kept saying that’s hurt us. We don’t have that wild card off the bench, and I hope [Crawford] gives us that.

“I know about the other stuff, too. I’m hoping, obviously, [with] our staff, and we have some veteran players around him, that he can grow.”