Are the Phoenix Suns overvaluing Jae Crowder in trade talks?

The case for Jae Crowder

The term “3&D” is far too often overused, but it does apply here. Jae Crowder, while not a “3&D” player in the mold of an OG Anunoby or fellow role player Nic Batum, can carry his own in both aspects of the game. The defense has not been a question for Crowder, and the jump shot has, for the most part, improved over the years. Frankly put, players as reliable on both ends as Crowder cannot be found around every corner.

As a shooter, Crowder has shot 34.8% from deep over his career. He has improved to an average of 36% in the three previous seasons he’s played while averaging roughly six attempts per game.

As a defender, Crowder isn’t elite, but he’s more than capable, and his versatility lends value, as does the level of hustle and intensity he brings to each game. It’s difficult to accurately measure the impact of a defender statistically, but for those who prefer stats to the eye test (which Crowder, of course, passes), here we go.

Last season, Crowder ranked 16th in steals, 18th in defensive rating, 8th in the league in defensive LEBRON among forwards, and held opponents to a 33.4 three-point field goal percentage.

Contractually, Crowder is scheduled to make just over $10 million this season and enter free agency at year’s end. This makes matching salary fairly reasonable for the contending teams who will and are pursuing him. Not only that, but his contract expires at the end of the season, so the commitment is minimal.

Finally, there’s the positional value that Crowder brings. As has been the case for some time in the league, two-way wings are among the most sought-after player archetypes. Versatile defense, shooting, and size have proven to be winning ingredients and, barring some truly shocking change, will be desired as long as the sport is played.