Close Article Return to stream X
NBA

Re-signing Jae Crowder A No-Brainer for Boston Celtics

+Read full article
Getty Images

Getty Images

Danny Ainge has admitted that this offseason will be a busy one for the Boston Celtics. The team still has a long way to go to being a championship contender, but they are trending in the right direction and it looks like head coach Brad Stevens is starting to make his mark in the league.

The Celtics have a few different routes they can choose. They could test their luck in luring a prized free agent to Boston, though Boston doesn’t appear to be a popular destination for many. With their excess of draft picks, Ainge could attempt to build through the draft, or he could attempt to package those picks with some existing players and trade for a star like Demarcus Cousins. However, there’s one decision that Ainge shouldn’t have to think twice about this offseason, bringing back Jae Crowder.

Ainge has already hinted at the Celtics extending Crowder a qualifying offer, giving them the right to match any offer made to Crowder by another team. However, they shouldn’t stop there. Crowder has the potential to be a major contributor to the Celtics and deserves a multi-year deal.

When he was acquired in mid-December, Crowder expressed confidence in the Celtics making the playoffs. Whether he actually he believed what he was saying, or was just trying to win over the Celtics fans was unclear at the time. After watching Crowder for the final three and a half months of the year, any Celtics fan will tell you that Crowder was not just blowing smoke. Crowder exudes confidence in both himself and his teammates.

The intensity and emotion he plays with rubs off on his teammates and instantly energizes the crowd. By no means is Crowder the most talented player on the Celtics, he may not even be top 5, but he is the type of role player that would be instrumental to a championship-caliber team. I envision Crowder filling a role similar to the one James Posey made a career out of, specifically during his season with the Celtics. Posey was an integral part in the 2007-08 championship season with his hard-nosed defense and ability to knock down the three. He also made a lot of hustle plays and never shied away from the big moment, two qualities that are evident in Crowder.

Crowder willingly took on the impossible task of defending Lebron James in the Celtics’ opening-round playoff loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He never backed down from James the entire series and won over the hearts of Celtics fans in the process. He wasn’t afraid to be physical with the larger James, and did his best to make things as difficult as possible for him. Crowder’s effort was never called into question and that is something that goes a long way here in Boston.

Crowder is an all-around solid player. He is not spectacular at any one thing, but rather very good at several things. He is capable of attacking the basket and he’s not afraid to do so. He can shoot the three. He hustles up and down the floor and plays tough, physical defense.

Even though Crowder’s energy and effort earned him a starting role in Game 4 of the Celtics opening round series, he is much better served coming off the bench. Though he’s certainly capable of scoring in bunches, he’s not one to fill up the box score on a nightly basis. He’ll likely never average more than 10-12 points in a season. However, his effort and hustle will never be questioned. In the NBA, where everybody has talent, effort and hustle will sometimes make all the difference.

Derek McVay is a Boston Celtics beat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @mcvay34, or add him to your network on Google.

Your Favorites
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA Videos

Dwight Howard Requests Dab From Young Fan In Exchange For Jersey

Dwight Howard is oftentimes criticized for being a diva, and I'm sure some of it is warranted. However, during Houston's recent trip to Boston, he did something pretty awesome. Howard gave a young Celtics fan his jersey in exchange for a dab, and it clearly made the kid's day.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA Videos

Celtics' Hunter Can't Believe Isaiah Thomas Denied Handshake

Things aren't easy for NBA rookies. Not only do many of them not get to play much, but they also don't get an incredible amount of respect from their veteran teammates. This was the case recently for former Georgia State standout R.J. Hunter, who was savagely rejected by Isaiah Thomas when he offered him a congratulatory handshake.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA Videos

Watch Isaiah Thomas' Behind-The-Head Kickout For Three-Pointer

Isaiah Thomas may have wanted to get all the way to the rim, but his no-look, behind-the-head pass to an open teammate is a candidate for assist of the year in the NBA.

Comment 0 Comments