The Miami Heat are in the Eastern Conference Finals, which surprised many national analysts. But, if you watched the Heat over the years, you wouldn’t be surprised. Miami has done a great job of maximizing their players. One player who has benefited so far is Jae Crowder.
A Different Player
Before the trade to Miami, Crowder served as a mentor to the younger Memphis Grizzlies players. Although he was a part of the rotation, he struggled with his shooting from the field. Crowder shot an underwhelming 29.3 percent from three-point range. He was not considered a threat from the outside.
But since the trade, Crowder’s transformation has been amazing. In 20 regular-season games with Miami, Crowder averaged 11.9 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 44.5 percent from long range. And while some expected those percentages to drop, Crowder has continued his hot shooting in the postseason.
In nine games in the postseason, Crowder is averaging 12.8 points and 6.2 rebounds on 40 percent three-point shooting on 8.3 attempts a game. The Heat forward took it even further in the series against the Milwaukee Bucks. Crowder attempted 10.2 three-pointers per game while shooting 43 percent from downtown. It’s very impressive considering he also defended Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.
Invaluable Piece
Crowder’s hot three-point shooting was not expected when the Heat acquired the 30-year old at the trade deadline. While his defensive versatility attracted the Heat, no one saw this level of offensive production coming. Since being inserted into the starting lineup, both Crowder and the Heat have never looked back. Crowder’s ability to defend multiple positions and space the floor has become invaluable. For a player who’s been traded to different teams, it seems Crowder has finally found a place to stay.
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