Jamal Crawford opens up about being more nervous playing at Rucker Park than in the NBA

When talking about places that are considered sacred in the basketball world, few come to mind. There's the old Boston Garden, where those Celtics squads made their historic title runs. Of course, you have to mention the Madison Square Garden, the Mecca of basketball, where legends have been made. And then there's Rucker Park, a small court in Harlem that has become synonymous with streetball.

Located at the border of Harlem at 155th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard, Rucker Park has seen some hoop icons suit up and play on its asphalt. From Julius Erving to Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant, it has been a destination for basketball purists all over the world.

In fact, former NBA star Jamal Crawford recently shared how he was much more nervous for his first game at the Rucker than his first NBA game.

The Rucker crowd don't care about who you are

Many NBA players have gone and played at famous parks. However, only a select few have come away with their reputation intact. According to "J-Crossover," this is because the crowd there doesn't care about a player's reputation, salary, or status in the Association; all that matters is that you can ball.

"They don't care about nothing. They don't care about nothing but your performance. They don't care about your name," Crawford said on "Podcast P." "They can't wait to boo you if you on some bulls---."

Fans at Rucker are passionate, and, most of all, they are basketball purists. They know the game and have seen it all. They are not easily impressed and will not hesitate to let anyone hear about it if they're not playing up to par. Most of all, the game at Rucker is all about individual talent; this means those who dare to step on the court best leave all that pick-and-roll and motion offense behind.

"Don't come out here on no cool, like, passing. Like, no. Come perform. You're a pro. They want you to separate yourself and show the difference," the three-time Sixth Man of the Year winner emphasized.

You never know who's watching

Crawford, a 6'5" guard from Seattle, disclosed that he enjoys playing so much that he spends much of the summer playing in different tournaments. And when Jamal says he's playing, it doesn't mean he's coasting through the game. Instead, he's giving it his all and putting on a show for fans and NBA scouts alike.

"Crazy story. 'D.Rose' told me when I played with him in Minnesota, he's like, 'Bro, you was one of the first pros I seen in person, like in the summer, just on some summer league s---." Like, so you never know who's watching, but those kids, those adults, they going to let you know about yourself," Crawford revealed.

Summertime basketball is no joke. The competition is fierce, with other players looking to make a name for themselves at the pro's expense. But Jamal thrives in this environment, using his crossover, slick handles, and incredible scoring ability to prove that he is head and shoulders above the rest.