This is the third of three letters to immediate past Boston Celtics and the new kid on the block.
Dear Jae,
How’s it hanging buddy? Trust all’s well with you and fam? Hope it hasn’t been too stressful settling down in Cleveland? Relocation can be tough; I know but hang in there. You’re a survivor.
Which is why I believe that, as rough as this summer was, you’ll bounce back okay. But I’d still really like to know what was going on in your mind. First off, the Boston Celtics pursued and landed Gordon Hayward in free agency. He’s an awesome talent and it’s a move I applauded. And celebrated. However, my mind went straight to you – how does Jae Crowder feel about this?
The obvious reason was because he played your position but there was another that may have been forgotten. You openly voiced your displeasure at how Boston Celtics fans were cheering a rival player when he was a Utah Jazz member last season. Yes, it was frustration and perceived disrespect that prompted you but all I saw was Celtic Pride.
We are a passionate and emotional bunch. You don’t cheer for the other guy, especially at your player’s expense. Even Michael Jordan struggled for ovations at the Garden. Even though you apologized for your rant, you still stood by it because that’s what Jae Crowder does – he stands his ground.
So, now, that guy is your teammate and now you have to figure out how to play together. Awkward. Then, to accommodate your new teammate, we had to get rid of one half of Double 3D. That’s what I called you and Avery Bradley – our three and D guys. Bradley was traded to the Detroit Pistons for Marcus Morris, another player who plays your positions. Really awkward.
Forward Facing
Of course, let’s not forget that we had Jaylen Brown on the roster as well. A younger version of you waiting in the wings. And in the 2017 NBA Draft, we took another tweener in Jayson Tatum. Suddenly, there’s a very crowded Boston Celtics frontcourt with a whole lot of Jays fighting over limited Js. What must you have been thinking at the time, Jae?
Well, clarity would soon come. You got traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of the Isaiah Thomas for Kyrie Irving package. This was the summer that just kept giving, eh? Well, there was one more delivery to come. That same night the trade was announced, your ill mother passed away. Really, what does one do after all this? All in one summer?
And then news came that the trade was in jeopardy due to the uncertainty surrounding IT’s injury. So what is it? Should I pack my bags for Cleveland or not? Is it okay if I just go bury my mother, then? If that’s alright with you? I can’t imagine it was a comfortable ride, not being in total control of your affairs. I’d feel like a ping pong ball.
With the trade finally sorted, your immediate future was settled. You would be a Cavalier. The strange thing though, is that not many seemed to notice. Majority of the news was dominated by Thomas and Irving. Someone even quipped that the Brooklyn Nets pick got more press than you did. I get it, IT and Kyrie are the stars but Boston’s huge loss is Cleveland’s great gain.
Heart and Soul
While the King of the Fourth was the driving force of the Boston Celtics, you were its heart and soul. Nobody played harder or with more desire than #99, our Bossman. You had your teammates’ backs, scarified your body and improved every aspect of your game. Your passion and drive was infectious. Dare I say, almost on Kevin Garnett levels.
A philosophical man might say the Boston Celtics, as a final ‘noble’ act, sent IT to Cleveland with his protector. No one has had his back like you. And your testy history against the Cavs is no secret. You squared up against ex-Celtics enforcer, Kendrick Perkins, never backing down. You took the hit to the face from J.R. Smith that rolled your ankle. You always accepted the challenge against the world’s best player.
Now, these are your teammates. The ones you’ll go to battle with on your quest for a championship. And more likely than not, the Boston Celtics lay in wait on your path. You are a regular battle cat, so I expect nothing short of a rumble when our paths do cross. There’s enough motivation for you now.
The Boston Celtics drafted another young forward. They signed the guy that would be your replacement. You got traded to your biggest rivals. Your mother passed away and last saw you play as a Celtic. And you were basically a forgotten man when discussing the trade.
Farewell
But I won’t forget you. Who you are and all you were to the Boston Celtics. A renaissance man that would always answer when called upon. Losing Isaiah will always be painful but we got a similar, younger replacement in Kyrie Irving. There’s no replacing you. Passion is not taught, it is in-built. We had built something special but you’ve now left the building.
It was an absolute pleasure to watch you grow in green. You came to play every day and left it all on the floor. Bless you for wearing Celtic Pride on your sleeve always.
Thank you for everything, Jae. Farewell, my friend.
Yours faithfully,
A Passionate Celtic
Just. Like. You. Always. Were.