5 Milwaukee Bucks who could surprise fans during 2023-24 NBA season

5 Milwaukee Bucks who could surprise fans during 2023-24 NBA season: Jae Crowder

Last season was a forgettable year for Jae Crowder. After sitting out up until the trade deadline, the forward was dealt to the Milwaukee Bucks, who had been after him for months. While fans hoped Crowder could be a difference-maker defensively, his role fizzled out late in the year, and the veteran was scarcely utilized. That should not be the story this coming season.

Unlike last season, Crowder will enter training camp with his team and actually start the season with the group. That should certainly help, as well as having more chemistry with his teammates. Coach Griffin is a defense-first person, so he’ll undoubtedly look to utilize Crowder as a big wing defender when the opportunity calls for it. Jae Crowder should be up for the challenge.

The hope is that Crowder can be the ever-versatile defender on the wing that the Bucks have been trying to find since P.J. Tucker left. Crowder certainly has the build and experience to fill that void if given the chance. After what he put on tape last season, many think Crowder is washed, but with a legitimate off-season under his belt, he should be fired up to prove them wrong next season.

Crowder could end up being a major difference-maker for this team and maybe even a starter.