Miami Heat: The stunning revitilization of Jae Crowder

The less-heralded of the key duo acquired midseason, Jae Crowder has made an incredible impact in his short time with the Miami Heat.

While giving up Justise Winslow was a decision not made lightly, the chance for the Miami Heat to acquire a player with the stature and experience of Andre Iguodala was always going to help soften the blow. But its been the emergence of another part of that trade package in Jae Crowder that’s really taken the Heat by storm.

On his fifth team since 2017, it’s understandable if many viewed Crowder as somewhat of a throw-in when completing this deal. However, this couldn’t be further from the case following his first 10 games in a Heat jersey. Coming off the bench for all but one game, Crowder has fitted in seamlessly in making a major contribution at both ends of the floor.

Playing 29.4 minutes per game, Crowder has averaged 14.2 points and 5.9 rebounds, while also contributing 2.3 deflections and 1.9 steals per contest. And while his versatility at the defensive end has come as advertised, his efficiency at the offensive end has been a pleasant surprise.

A career 33.1 percent 3-point, shooter, Crowder is shooting at a sizzling 45.1 percent clip from long range on 7.1 attempts per game. In his latest performance, Crowder drilled 5-of-9 from behind the arc in a decisive win over the league-leading Milwaukee Bucks, the second time in his 10 Heat appearances that he’s made at least five triples.

After the Bucks’ game, head coach Erik Spoelstra praised the new addition to the team:

"“The toughness and the versatility defensively, he’s an experienced I.Q. player as well on both ends. Defensively he fills in a lot of different gaps, you can play him on four different players, he reads situations well….and then on the other end he does a lot of little things to help your team. The spacing obviously helps….you can use him in pick-and-roll situations….I feel very comfortable with him.”"

While it’s just a short sample size, Crowder’s efforts on the offensive end cannot be understated. Since debuting for the Heat on Feb. 9, Crowder ranks equal sixth in the league with 32 made 3-pointers, with teammate Duncan Robinson‘s 42 triples leading the league during this time.

Following his latest excellent performance, Crowder detailed how he has managed to fit in so quickly in his new surrounds:

"“It’s an older, veteran-type team here, the style of offense, the ball hops, we know great shots, we know good shots, and we know bad shots, and when you have that mindset, those three things on the offensive end, you’re going to find yourself and find a rhythm within the flow of the offense….I just feel like my confidence is there because we’re playing with a veteran group and the ball is moving.”"

You only need to look at the raw numbers to learn that Crowder has quickly earned the trust of coach Spoelstra. Through his opening 10 games, Crowder leads the Heat with 10.8 minutes per fourth quarter, with Goran Dragic the only other player reaching double figures.

So while it may still be early days, the partnership thus far between Jae Crowder and the Miami Heat has been extremely hard to fault.