After sitting out for several months awaiting a trade, Jae Crowder finally got his wish granted and was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Crowder has already landed in Milwaukee and has begun practicing with the team. Following his first practice, the veteran spoke to reporters. Among a handful of questions, Crowder was asked how he felt about landing with the Bucks, and he gave some interesting reasons as to why it was a great fit for him.
Jae Crowder list 4 reasons why the Bucks are a good fit for him
1: Joining a contending team.
Above all else, Crowder made it clear that having a shot at winning a title was his top priority. This is a player who played in back-to-back NBA Finals in 2020 and 2021 and has played in his share of significant games. At 32 years old, Crowder is not getting any younger and wants to maximize his chances of competing for a title. Playing for the Bucks, who are among the championship favorites this season, will give him a shot to do so.
2: Having a role on a team.
Obviously, Crowder wanted to have a role wherever he landed. One of the reasons why the Bucks made so much sense as a trade partner for him was because they could offer him a role right out of the gates. Although there is some debate as to whether or not Crowder should start for the Bucks, he will play his role as a 3-and-D wing regardless. Defensively, he’ll be tasked with taking on the challenge of defending opposing wing scorers nightly. Offensively, the Bucks will not ask Crowder to do too much, but if he can knock down some triples, it would help mightily.
3. Being closer to family.
Not all of Crowder’s reasons were basketball related, as his family played a big part in this as well. Crowder detailed how his nine-year-old daughter, Jada, lives in Chicago, which means he will be a lot closer to her than if he were playing elsewhere. The forward talked about wanting to be a good father, and this change of scenery will allow him to be within a more comfortable distance.
4. Being around Marquette fans who embrace him.
Crowder played his collegiate basketball at Marquette University, so this is like a homecoming of sorts for him. The former Golden Eagle stated that when he landed in Milwaukee, he dropped his family off at the hotel and drove around the city to go down memory lane. Crowder talked about how being around Marquette fans who have supported him throughout his NBA career was yet another reason he was happy to be traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Crowder detailed plenty of reasons why he was happy to land with the Bucks, and fans can give no shortage of reasons right back. The veteran should be a key piece for Milwaukee down the stretch, and it will be great to see the forward return to the city where he played his collegiate basketball.
Stay tuned to see when Jae Crowder may ultimately make his debut with the Milwaukee Bucks.