#Jamal Crawford is ready for Nets after ‘baffling’ NBA hiatus

Jamal Crawford is the oldest player in the Orlando bubble — so old he can remember Isiah Thomas running the Knicks.

At age 40, the new Nets signee will add leadership, versatility, shotmaking — and maybe some point-guard play. Remember, this depleted Nets squad is likely to start two-way man Chris Chiozza at point guard, when the restart begins July 31 versus the Magic.

The Nets are Crawford’s ninth team.

“The Knicks were one of my favorite places to play — just the energy of the New York fans in general is amazing,’’ Crawford told The Post in an email. “I’m sure with the Nets, that energy is amazing as well. The fans in that area are so passionate, and so knowledgeable.”

Orlando is a long way from Brooklyn and the gyms will be empty. But if Crawford lights up Disney World, the former Knicks combo guard could find his way onto the Nets’ roster next season — when Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Spencer Dinwiddie and Caris LeVert are back to vie for an NBA title.

“My wife changed my diet a few years ago, and that was huge,’’ Crawford said in explaining his longevity. “And I’m just staying in love with the game. I didn’t turn 40. I turned 20 twice.’’

COVID-19 research states Crawford could be at more risk than his younger mates. Following NBA rules, he is in the middle of a six-day quarantine in Orlando before he can be cleared for practice Wednesday.

“Obviously coming into it, you see the cases of COVID-19 spiking up in this area,’’ Crawford said. “But I felt comfortable after learning more about the bubble plan.’’

Following the Nets’ third practice Saturday, staged in a hotel ballroom, forward Rodions Kurucs said, “How old is he now, 40, 41? We’ll have to take care of him and make sure he’s good, he’s healthy, and then he’ll join us.”

Last time Crawford played an NBA game — his 1,326th — he piled up 51 points in the Suns’ 2018-19 season finale. But it didn’t get the three-time Sixth Man of the Year re-signed for this season until the Nets needed him as a replacement player with a roster in tatters.

“I have no idea what my role will be, but whatever it is, I will try to do it to the best of my ability,’’ Crawford said. “I’m just thankful to the Nets for the opportunity.’’

Signed as a free agent by Thomas, Crawford played for the Knicks in his young prime — from 2004-09 when the Nets were in New Jersey. Crawford averaged 17.6 points as a Knick.

“I’m actually super-excited because he’s the greatest sixth man of the NBA,’’ Kurucs said. “I’m definitely excited to share some experience with him, and he will share some experience with me.’’

Nets interim coach Jacque Vaughn made the observation Crawford was the prototype dual guard when it wasn’t cool to be. Now it is.

“Without a doubt, the versatility that used to be a negative,’’ Vaughn said. “The combo at the 1, 2 and the 3, 4, you were trying to figure out how to slot guys, and I think it’s more in line of the versatility to play different lineups and put guys in different positions on the floor and challenge the defense. So we’ll try and take advantage of that combo.’’

Crawford’s ability to handle the point could take pressure off Chiozza, the 5-foot-11 University of Florida product who now finds himself tentatively as starting point guard with Dinwiddie and Irving sidelined. The 24-year-old only entered the rotation in the final five games before the shutdown and appeared in 21 contests.

“He’s a veteran who has been in this league for as long as I can remember,’’ Chiozza said of Crawford. “Of course, I’m going to try to pick his brain as much as I can, basketball-related stuff, off the court, anything I can learn from him if I can better myself. I’ve heard he’s a really good mentor and a great guy. I’m looking forward to meeting him and having a conversation and just learn as much as I can in this time we’ve got together.”

Chiozza said he was with the starting unit in Friday’s scrimmages.

“Hopefully I’ll play the same way I was playing before the break — if not better,’’ he said.

During his unsigned stint, Crawford admitted it was “baffling to me.’’ Now Crawford has a real chance to be the same spark plug he was as a Knick.