Impending free agent Jae Crowder is showing his worth to the Heat in the playoffs, writes Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald. Acquired from the Grizzlies at the trade deadline, Crowder has become a valuable part of the rotation, logging 71 minutes in the first two games against the Bucks, the third-highest total on the team.
Crowder played the entire fourth quarter in Games 1 and 2 and is spacing the floor against a team that likes to crowd the paint. He is 7-for-19 on 3-pointers and has been the primary defender on Giannis Antetokounmpo as the Heat have built a 2-0 lead on the East’s top seed.
“Jae’s a competitor, a warrior, and he’s accepting every challenge, he’s a great defender, strong, and he gives us that spacing on offense,” Goran Dragic said. “And he’s shooting the ball really well. We want to find him in the offense. I mean, he’s already proved in his career that he’s hitting those big shots, when the game is on the line. He has been huge for us this series.”
Crowder’s performance sets up a difficult decision for the offseason. At age 30, he will be looking for a multi-year deal, but the Heat are trying to maximize cap space in hopes of making a run at Antetokounmpo or another star next summer. They may offer Crowder a large one-year contract as a way of keeping their options open.
There’s more Heat news to pass along:
- It didn’t take long for Andre Iguodala to become convinced that the Heat could be title contenders, Chiang relays in the same story. The veteran forward talked about his experience during an appearance on “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” including the impression of watching Bam Adebayo up close. “I always knew Bam Adebayo was this good,” Iguodala said. “Shaun Livingston had been telling me about him for about two years. He was like, ‘Yo, there’s this kid named Bam Adebayo in Miami. He’s legit.’ So I always kept an eye on him. Then when I got to see him, I was like: ‘Whoa. Like he’s superstar level.’”
- Iguodala is listed as questionable for tonight’s game after spraining his right ankle Wednesday, Chiang adds. Center Kelly Olynyk (right knee bruise) and guard Gabe Vincent (right shoulder sprain) are also questionable for Game 3.
- Dragic tells Shandel Richardson of Sports Illustrated that he was surprised to be re-inserted into the starting lineup after spending most of the season coming off the bench. Dragic said he got “really comfortable” as a reserve, but coach Erik Spoelstra thought the lineup change was necessary. “Whatever it takes,” Dragic said. “We have a really good group of guys who are going to do everything to win a game. I’m just enjoying it right now.”
well said
Per article
Heat might offer one year large contract to Crowder，how large？
If Knicks like him, they can offer 3 years 30 million with team option
Crowder the perfect team player who does it all. Dallas should of kept him they need someone like him.
Crowder will be hot product
Sillyman why do the Knicks want every player. Do you think it’s possible. Read the sports news bro. You flying way too far.
Crowder’s been an uneven shooter over his career, and his value has varied depending upon that. Generally, guys Crowder’s age don’t go for 1 year deals, even if large, unless they are coming off a bad year. If he finishes the playoffs like he’s playing now, it’s unlikely he’s not going to be looking for a long term deal. He’d only fit with a contender.
Andre Iggy doesn’t even hide the fact that he ring chases every single year.
Huh? What? Don’t all athletes chase rings? Why would you want a player that doesn’t?
If that were actually true he would have stayed in the West.
The playoffs are over? Who won it all?
Like it’s up to him.
It’s not that he’s taking the minimum just to chase a ring, neither that he’s buried deep in the bench. I really don’t see the issue here.
20 minutes a game is not buried deep in the bench.
You don’t even hide the fact that you don’t understand how sports works.
100% of NBA players are “ring chasers”.
If that were true then the Utah Jazz would have zero players.
Heat are exposing Bucks. The coach should be fired. They are keying on Giannis. You should be posting him. Where he can space floor for his team. You can’t dribble thru team D. A good defensive team. You have to use different schemes. You have to make them move. So you can find spacing. I knew Heat would be tough. I said Bucks better wake up. Never thought a sweep. Giannis is not 100% Sunday. It’s over.
Jimmy Butler gotta love his game. Sixers were idiots to let him go. Coach ran him out. Then coach gets run out. Sports lol.