How important is playing against his former team for Knick Jamal Crawford?

Not expected back for another week, Crawford was a suprise participant in the Knicks practice for the first time since being diagnosed with a right turf toe on December 22 and claimed he might be ready to return in one of the upcoming two games against the Bulls..

?It felt good,? said Crawford. ?No pain. Of course, I haven?t tested it in a contact scrimmage yet. That?s tomorrow. But sure, I?d like to play against Chicago. Those were certainly dates I circled on my calendar at the beginning of the season.?

Chicago, of course, just happens to be Crawford?s previous team.

?Do I feel any pressure to get back?? he smiled. ?No, certainly not from anyone in the Knicks organization. If there?s any pressure, it comes from within. My team needs me. I want to play.?