© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jae Crowder says he's still rounding into form after missing some time due to calf soreness
It’s been over a month since Jae Crowder debuted for the Milwaukee Bucks following a nine-month absence that stemmed from a disagreement with the management of his previous team, the Phoenix Suns. The 32-year-old admits that getting his body to peak conditioning has been challenging, especially after suffering a calf injury not long after his on-court return. Nevertheless, the 11-year-pro says he’s rounding into form and is ready to help the Bucks in their title chase this season.
Up and down campaign
The Bucks nabbed the rugged forward in a trade that was consummated last February 9th. Milwaukee paid a steep price to get Crowder, sending away five second-round picks, veterans George Hill and Serge Ibaka, and up-and-coming forward Jordan Nwora to acquire the dynamic veteran. However, it wouldn’t be until February 24th that Crowder would finally make an on-court appearance for the Bucks as the team’s medical staff deemed it best to keep him out of action until his conditioning level was up to par.
He played in 11 straight games before missing the next five due to left calf soreness. Crowder eventually returned last March 27th and said he wasn’t surprised by these injuries.
“I was expecting a little bit of that with the ramp-up of minutes and stuff like that,” Crowder said. “But since the injury, I’ve responded well to everything, so I’m very satisfied with that.”
In a good place
Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer says that despite Crowder’s injuries, he feels that the three-and-D ace is in a good place right now.
“Overall, I think we’re really positive,” Budenholzer said. “It was, I think, important for us. We went after him all year. I think it’s definitely unfortunate that he had the stint where he had to go out again and couldn’t just have a steady — whatever that would have been — 25 games or so. But that’s our league. You just have to kind of make the best of it. From Day 1, Jae has kind of made the best of it, whatever’s put it in front of him and we’re excited, feel good about it. He’s in a good place.”
With the NBA Playoffs looming on the horizon, Crowder is primed to assume an integral role for the Bucks if he is able to stay healthy. As a steady three-point threat with over 100 games worth of playoff experience and defensive prowess, Crowder has all the components necessary to be a difference-maker on both ends of the floor in what promises to be an exciting postseason run.
