After being acquired by the Milwaukee Bucks at the trade deadline, Jae Crowder has begun the next step of his career as a member of the franchise.
Per Coach Mike Budenholzer, Crowder practiced on Monday but is not expected to play in either of Milwaukee’s next two games against the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls. This news is not overly surprising, given that Crowder has not played professional basketball in just under one year. With that NBA All-Star break coming up after these next two games, the extra time off will give him an extended period of time to get back up to speed and build chemistry with his teammates. There is no reason to rush him into the lineup with the break on the horizon.
The Milwaukee Bucks deliver their first Jae Crowder update since trade
Although there were no specific timetables mentioned, it would make sense if Crowder’s debut with the Bucks and first NBA action since last May took place shortly after the All-Star break.
When he does make his Bucks debut, it will likely be off the bench. That will allow Budenholzer to ease him into the lineup and slowly regain his footing. It is a similar approach to what the team is currently doing with Khris Middleton, who has missed considerable time with injury. As he gets up to speed, Crowder’s role will increase, and it would not be too surprising to see him in the starting five at some point down the line this season.
While he has not played professional basketball in quite a while, Crowder has reportedly stayed in shape with a rigorous routine. When asked by The Athletic’s Eric Nehm how he kept himself up to speed while he was away from the game, Crowder responded with, “Just run myself ragged, try to make myself throw up.” What a response. Crowder was undoubtedly working out while he was awaiting a trade from the Phoenix Suns for the past few months, but he certainly was not taking things easy on himself during that time.
For now, all fans can do is wait. Crowder’s debut is coming, but it is not in sight just yet.
Stay tuned for updates regarding Crowder and his status moving forward.