Bucks Zone

Should the Milwaukee Bucks give Jae Crowder a spot in the starting five?

The Milwaukee Bucks have a lot of talent, but should they give Jae Crowder a chance to start?

Matthew Dugandzic

Should the Milwaukee Bucks give Jae Crowder a spot in the starting five?
Should the Milwaukee Bucks give Jae Crowder a spot in the starting five? /
In this story:

The Milwaukee Bucks finally got their guy—Jae Crowder—after months of haggling with the Phoenix Suns. While they won't immediately benefit from Crowder's on-court presence as the veteran forward tries to get his conditioning level up after months on the sidelines, Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer now has a dilemma—should he start Jae Crowder?

Incredible quintet

At 6-foot-6, 235 pounds, Crowder is as rugged as they come. A determined defender who often drew the assignment of guarding the opposing team's best player, Crowder would fit right in with the Bucks' incumbent starters Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to form one of the toughest starting five units on paper.

In today's NBA, where versatility reigns, this starting five would wreak havoc on any opponent they face due to their ability to switch on defense and match up with various offensive sets. Plus, the Bucks could use someone like Crowder, who can knock down open threes when Giannis draws a double team in the paint.

Wait and see

Milwaukee, though, would be better off being patient with Crowder as he gets back into game shape before giving him a spot in the starting five. 

The Bucks are nearing full strength and are just waiting on reliable forward Bobby Portis Jr. to make his way back from a knee injury. At the moment, the Bucks can rely on the likes of Pat Connaughton and Joe Ingles to man the forward position.

All things considered, it's a good problem for Budenholzer to have. The Bucks should be optimistic about what Crowder brings on both ends of the floor when he's ready to go, but for now, it might be better for him to get up to speed with the bench mob before being inserted into the starting five.

Published
Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.