Hardwood Houdini
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2 former players could make their way back to the Boston Celtics

By Mark Nilon

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 29: Kelly Olynyk #13 of the Detroit Pistons in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 29, 2022 in New York City. 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. Brooklyn Nets defeated the Detroit Pistons 130-123. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 29: Kelly Olynyk #13 of the Detroit Pistons in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 29, 2022 in New York City. 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. Brooklyn Nets defeated the Detroit Pistons 130-123. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Former Boston Celtics player No. 1) Jae Crowder

With virtually every franchise he has suited up for during his time in the association, Jae Crowder has managed to become a true fan favorite. This was emphatically true when he was a member of the Boston Celtics from 2014 to 2017 and, if brought back to this iteration of the ball club, without a doubt the trend would only go on to continue.

Ime Udoka’s scheme is one that’s heavily predicated on strong defensive play and high-octane 3-point shooting, and this was made evident both by means of the eye test as well as the 2021-22 season statistics (ranked ninth in shot attempts from deep and first in defensive rating).

Crowder is a player who can fit the bill on both of these fronts.

Throughout his 10-year career, the wing has established himself as an efficient long-range shooter and, more notably, a tough and scrappy defender that’s simply not afraid of anyone when on the floor.

Just this past season whilst serving as a high-impact role player for the top-seeded Phoenix Suns, Crowder went on to produce admirably, boasting averages of 9.4 points and 4.3 rebounds on 35 percent shooting from distance while finishing with the second-best mark on the team in defensive rating and first in defensive box plus-minus (of those who logged over 800 minutes).

A reunion with the veteran would not only continue to stockpile quality backups to have fill in for both Tatum and Brown (an aspect on the depth chart that, for the longest time, has been rather bleak), but it would only help strengthen the team’s overall ability to thrive with their 3-and-D system.

Be it by means of a straight-up deal or via something much larger, the idea of Jae Crowder returning to Boston should be a very intriguing concept for both the fans and the franchise alike.

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