Former Suns PF Jae Crowder Reacts After Return to Phoenix

Jae Crowder's return to Phoenix sparks memories as he battled his former teammates.

Jae Crowder made his highly anticipated return to Phoenix last night when the Phoenix Suns played host to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Crowder’s tenure with the Suns began quite well, helping Phoenix reach the 2021 NBA Finals before setting a franchise record 64 wins in the 2021-22 regular season the following year.

Yet things quickly turned sour after last season when it was revealed Cam Johnson would be starting over Crowder, who subsequently requested a trade and wouldn't play another second for the Suns. He was part of the trade package to the Brooklyn Nets that netted Kevin Durant in return before being shipped to Milwaukee, a team that showed interest in him through most of the process. 

While Crowder and the Suns’ organization may have had a falling out, it was all love with his former teammates.

“Always fun,” Devin Booker said following the loss. “A high-level competitor. Know what it is; we have experience together. I got a lot of respect for him and we just leave it on the court.”

Crowder finished with 11 points, five rebounds and one assist in Milwaukee's 116-104 win over Phoenix. It was their 21st win in their previous 23 games. 

When Crowder checked in to the game, fans mostly booed him but was met with some cheers when the Suns played a video tribute honoring his time with the team.

And mostly boos as he checks in pic.twitter.com/su7o8jyjtQ

— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) March 15, 2023

For the majority of the game, Crowder was matched up against Booker. Despite a ton of friendly trash talk between the two former teammates, their admiration for each other grows deep.

Devin Booker closes Q3 in style! pic.twitter.com/zN4rWHXf9h

— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) March 15, 2023

“What people don’t know is that in training camp, I wanted that matchup,” Crowder said following the game. 

“If I can guard him, I can guard damn near anyone in the league. That was just a glorified practice right there like you saw. A lot of trash talking. A lot of bumping. Devin (Booker) is a hell of a scorer. I feel like if I can make it tough on him I can make it tough on a lot of guys.”

Crowder’s tenure in Phoenix was filled with a ton of high and low points. Now Crowder has left the past behind him and is ready to focus on winning a championship with the Bucks, who previously defeated the Suns in the 2021 NBA Finals.

“I just flip the chapter,” Crowder said. “I just flipped and just turned to another one and enjoying the journey of whatever this one holds.”