Former Jazz forward Jae Crowder took time this week to discuss his time with the team, detailing the close friendships he made and the impact head coach Quin Snyder had on him.
Crowder, who was acquired by the Grizzlies last July, also discussed Memphis’ slow start to the 2019/20 season in an interview with Aaron Falk of Jazz.com.
“We’ve come out on the losing end, so obviously we’re not where we want to be but we’re figuring it out,” Crowder said. “We’re competing at a high level and trying to do what it takes to win games. At this level, with a young team, it’s just hard to win games. We’re learning from our losses and wins and trying to build every day.”
The Jazz traded for Crowder in February of 2018, giving the 29-year-old roughly one-and-a-half seasons with the franchise. He averaged 11.9 points in 80 games for the team last season, quickly gaining respect from the fans and confidence from the coaching staff.
“He just gave me a mindset that added on to fueling my fire,” Crowder said of Snyder. “To always compete at a high level and always embrace wherever you’re at in life. He gave me a role on that team and I’m appreciative of him. I’ve told him that personally. I appreciate him believing in me, believing in my effort and coaching me the way that he coached me.”
There’s more from the Western Conference today:
- The Lakers tied a team record on Friday for the best start in franchise history, extending their current record to 17-2. The team recorded their 10th straight win with a victory over Washington, led by the likes of Anthony Davis (26 points, 13 rebounds) and LeBron James (23 points, 11 assists). “Obviously, this is a historic franchise; they have done so many great things,” Davis said, as relayed by Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com. “To be a part of a franchise like this is definitely amazing. I just want to leave my mark here and just keep it going. Obviously, our goal is to add another banner here. It’s something we feel like we can do, and if we do that, to be a part of that would be nothing but great.”
- Andre Iguodala, one of the league’s all-time great defenders, has tabbed Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday as the best defensive player in the NBA today. “Best defender in the league… @Jrue_Holiday11”, Iguodala wrote on social media. Holiday is consistently mentioned as one of the toughest defenders in the NBA, with the 29-year-old making the All-Defensive Second Team in 2019 and All-Defensive First Team in 2018.
- Timberwolves forward Keita Bates-Diop is slowly but surely forcing his way into the team’s rotation, Chris Hine writes for the Star Tribune. Bates-Diop, 23, was drafted 48th overall in 2018 by the Wolves after spending four seasons at Ohio State. He’s averaged 8.9 points in seven games (17.9 MPG) this season.
2020 Warriors adding Giannis, Iggy and Holiday wile only losing Dl0, Draymond and the #1-3 pick.
Not bad! Doubt iggy would come back!
SMH! Wake up dude!
Pound sand
You realize that the Dubs have 136 mill allocated for four players two years from now. So unless the cap goes up to 180 mil the warriors are toast. Enjoy the Chase Center though
Lakers deserve credit for a great start, but their schedule has been soft. Grizzlies twice, warriors twice, Orlando, the thunder twice… They’re taking care of business, but not a lot of quality wins (yet).
They have played the Warriors once and not played Orlando.
I agree, but that’s no discredit to them. When that schedule was made grizz warriors and thunder were stacked. They’ll show some quality wins soon enough
14-0 against losing teams, just 3-2 against winning teams.
Rockets are 8-1 vs losing teams, 4-6 vs winning teams and average giving up 115 points a game. Stay in your own lane 5th place.
You must be really down in the dumps knowing your team got worse dealing Paul for Westbrook. Along with draft picks. Hehe
Preach
Iggy is now an all-time great defender? When did this happen? Not trying to hate on Iggy because he is a damn good defender but come on now JD
Timberwolves have only played 17.9 games??
Diop has averaged 17.9 minutes per game in 7 games