Jae Crowder on imminent return from serious groin injury: "I'm just ready to go"

The Bucks sorely need Jae Crowder’s defense and toughness.

© Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Bucks forward Jae Crowder is making steady progress in his return from an adductor injury that needed surgery to repair and the 33-year-old is raring to go on 5-on-5 practices this week. Crowder, who underwent surgery on Nov. 14, has been limited to individual work and hasn’t played since suffering the injury against the Boston Celtics on Nov. 11.

On the comeback trail

The veteran is coming off a week wherein he did five-on-zero drills and came away unscathed. Pain-free and his energy level high, Crowder feels confident of his chances to play regular season games very soon. And it can’t come at a better time, as the Bucks are struggling to keep their head above water on the defensive end.

“So when I was able to do five-on-(zero) this week, I just felt great. I just had extra juice, I’m just ready to go. I’m pain-free right now, so I’m very thankful for that,” Jae said.

Crowder had played in nine games this season, averaging 8.1 points, making 51 percent of his three-pointers, and 3.9 rebounds per game. More than the numbers, it’s his veteran leadership and experience that the Bucks will need as they navigate through the season.

Better than before

Even though Crowder said he felt he was playing at a high level before he got injured, he believes he’s even better now.

“I feel like I’m going to be playing even better basketball post this injury. I really, honestly, in my heart, I feel that way. I don’t know how soon that’s going to be. I have to ramp myself back up,” Jae shared.

Even though he expects to feel antsy with the minutes' restriction that he’ll no doubt receive upon his return to the court, Crowder said he’d stay patient and be grateful for the opportunity to be back, period.

“I’ll be on a minute restriction when I come back. That’s going to be frustrating for anybody to stay in a groove or find a groove. But I’m going to stay the course and be very happy and thankful to even be able to put on a uniform again and get some minutes and hopefully heal this thing back up,” Jae said.