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Boston Celtics Player Profile: Jae Crowder

By Eric Laboissonniere

Apr 8, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) celebrates after scoring during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Celtics beat the Pistons 113-103. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) celebrates after scoring during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Celtics beat the Pistons 113-103. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Celtics recently re-signed Jae Crowder to a five-year, $35 million deal. Crowder surprised the Celtics and many other people around the league after he was traded from the Dallas Mavericks because he made a big impact for the team on both ends of the floor.

Crowder was supposed to be a bench player that would see the court sometimes; instead he was a bench player that played huge minutes for the Celtics. Crowder was a steal for the Celtics last season, especially since the Celtics traded some of their best players last season.

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Crowder will be called upon next season to do many things for coach Brad Stevens and Co. because he is so versatile on both ends of the floor.

Crowder’s fit with Celtics

Crowder is honestly one of the only true wings currently on the Celtics roster. Crowder is 6-foot-6 and has great size for a wing. He was mostly looked at as a defensive specialist when he was traded from Dallas, but during his time in Boston last season, he showed that he was much more.

During the playoffs last season, Crowder showed that he could play big minutes down the stretch, he also showed that he can score in a variety of ways. Crowder has never been known as a scoring threat in the NBA, but last season for the Celtics, Crowder showed that he can attack the rim, and even shoot from deep at times.

His three-point shooting is something that Crowder must improve on; he only shot 29.3 percent from deep last season, which is not very impressive. He is not called on much to shoot from deep, but if he could add a consistent deep jump shot to his game, then he would play even more for the Celtics next season.

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Crowder does need to improve his shooting, but he has nothing to worry about when he is playing defense. He can match up with multiple positions on the defensive end, and he usually has the toughest defensive assignment night in and night out. He is one of the Celtics’ best defenders because of his length and athleticism, and because of his ability to disrupt passing lanes.

Crowder can lock up with many different players, which is why he is so vital for the Celtics.

Overall

Crowder was very under-appreciated at the beginning of last season in Dallas, but now he is appreciated more than ever in Boston. He works hard on every position and he fights for every loose ball, which are common traits among the Celtics’ team right now.

Crowder has evolved into more than just a defensive specialist for the Celtics, which is why the team inked him for a long-term deal.

Crowder is here to stay in Boston for the long haul because he has the type of mentality that the Celtics love. If he can improve on his shooting then he will be very dangerous against opposing teams. Watch for Crowder to recover from his injury in last year’s playoffs and have a big season on both ends of the floor.

Stevens is going to give Crowder plenty of opportunities to shine, and he will not let him or the Celtics down.

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