Jae Crowder will be out for eight weeks after undergoing surgery for left adductor and abdominal tears

The Bucks' rocky start to the season just became worse.

© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Bucks will be without one of their key cogs as forward Jae Crowder will miss an estimated eight weeks after undergoing surgery for left adductor and abdominal tears. The 11-year-pro out of Marquette suffered the injury last Saturday during their game versus the Orlando Magic.

Can’t get a break

The Milwaukee Bucks have gotten off to a slow start this season. Owning a 6-4 record, this was not the start that many envisioned after the team acquired superstar guard Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers a few weeks before the season began. The Bucks clearly need to play more games together to build their chemistry up. However, they are now going to be without one of their key pieces in Crowder.

“Jae Crowder suffered a left groin injury Saturday at Orlando. He underwent testing and further evaluation today by Dr. Bob Meyers in Philadelphia and was diagnosed with a left adductor and abdominal tear. He will undergo surgery tomorrow and be sidelined for approx. eight weeks,” the team’s medical update read.

The Bucks have released a medical update on veteran forward Jae Crowder: pic.twitter.com/Nytmef9HzB

— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) November 13, 2023

Have to stay positive

Bucks coach Adrian Griffin said he felt bad for Crowder, who came into the season ready to play a crucial role in helping the team regain the throne.

“He came into training camp in phenomenal shape - mind, body, spirit. He's a tremendous piece of what we're trying to do moving forward. From what I'm told, it's approximately eight weeks, and he'll be back. He'll be back way before the playoffs to get the rhythm back. This happens in sports so we just gotta stay positive and look at the bright side and that's other guys are going to be able to get some minutes and help this team win,” Griffin said.

Before his injury, Crowder averaged 8.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists. More than the numbers, the rugged forward was seen as a steady presence on both ends of the floor, capable of knocking down open three-pointers and helping stymie the opposing team’s best players.

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