Hardwood Houdini
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Jae Crowder Deserves Nothing but Praise

By Joshua Bateman

BOSTON, MA - MAY 25: Jae Crowder #99 of the Boston Celtics wipes his face in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Five of the 2017 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 25, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 25: Jae Crowder #99 of the Boston Celtics wipes his face in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Five of the 2017 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 25, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Jae Crowder should be celebrated by fans, even if he may be on his way out

The Boston Celtics are in the process of figuring out the cap situation in order to officially sign Gordon Hayward. There have been talks of him along with Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart being on the trade block.

That being said, Crowder appears to be the overwhelming favorite to get traded. His phenomenal contract gives Ainge a valuable piece to work with, and Hayward could take his place in the starting lineup.

These kinds of moves are inevitable, but do not let that fool you into thinking that Crowder is an expendable player.

Fans appear to be clamoring for Crowder to be traded, and after the clash over cheers for Hayward last season, there has always been a distance between Crowder and the fans.

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It is okay to accept that Hayward is a superior player. It is okay to say that it would be smart of the Celtics to trade Crowder. What is not okay is to try and slander one of the most impressive players in the Stevens era, who has done everything right by his team.

Crowder was a trade throw in that immediately had an impact. He proceeded to sign one of the most valuable contracts in the NBA, became a knock down three point shooter with the kind of defensive versatility that any team dreams of.

Crowder is not a franchise altering player, but he has the kind of two way impact that teams spend years trying to get. Crowder defends any position for the Celtics, plays comfortable in the offense and, most importantly, was a borderline 40 percent three point shooter.

Crowder certainly is limited. He does not create on offense and does not distribute the ball. That being said, the Celtics did not need him to do that.

In fact, Crowder did everything the Celtics ever wanted out of him and then some. He become the top tier defender that the Mavericks obviously thought would be impossible. He improved his shooting so quickly that many people forget the extraordinary progress he made.

Did I forget to mention that he is just 26 years old and could easily continue to improve.

Crowder is, without question, a player that every single Celtics fan should want on this team. Given the situation, the best thing for the team is looking like trading him away, but the Celtics are losing a player and a contract that any team in the NBA would want.

Crowder has not been with the Celtics for that long, but he has embraced everything about this team, and has been part of their heart and soul with his energy and intensity.

Crowder should be coming out of this a fan favorite, and yet everyone continues to try and bring him down.

The Celtics have options that can replace Crowder’s role, and that is the only reason he is expendable. The Celtics have Smart, Jaylen Brown and now Jayson Tatum that all could have the kind of versatility that Crowder offered, but there will be an adjustment period.

The Celtics do not have another small ball four that is ready to anchor those lineups for the Celtics, and they certainly do not have any potential talent out there that can do that while shooting around 40 percent from three.

If Crowder ends up being traded, it should be another step in the right direction. That being said, Stevens will have his work cut out for him finding out how to adjust their lineups without him.

Next: Options for the Mid Level Exception

Even if he is on his way out, enjoy Crowder Celtics fans. He was a special player and gave every fan a special experience. He excelled in ways that fans would have said was impossible at the time of the trade, and he embodied everything this Stevens era has stood for.

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