Utah Jazz: 3 goals for Jae Crowder in 2018-19
By Mason McFee
3. Continue to bring the energy off the bench
Prior to the re-signing of Derrick Favors, there were some murmurs that Jae Crowder could slide into a starting role for head coach Quin Snyder, especially since Crowder made two starts in Games 5 and 6 against the Rockets.
Then Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey re-signed Favors to a two-year, $36 million deal and guaranteed the contract of Thabo Sefolosha. Crowder’s minutes may drop a little, but that doesn’t mean he can’t have an impact for this Jazz squad.
Jae Crowder was a second round pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers and has carried that chip on his shoulder ever since entering the league. It’s hard to recall a play (if any) that Crowder took off. He is on the ground for almost every loose ball, sacrificing his body for the team, always hustling. While the Jazz had players like that on their roster prior to his arrival, Crowder can help bring that intensity and mentor the younger guys next season.
Expect Crowder’s impact to be positive both on and off the court next season.