Jae Crowder Injury: Updates on Celtics Forward’s Ankle and Return
Published by Alec Nathan on November 2, 2016
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder suffered a sprained ankle in Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Bulls and did not return. It’s unclear when he’ll return to the court.
Continue for updates.
Stevens Comments on Crowder’s Playing Status
Thursday, Nov. 3
Celtics head coach Brad Stevens told reporters Crowder will be out for about two weeks, per Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe.
Crowder Among Celtics’ Most Dynamic Players
Crowder suffered a sprained right ankle that cost him nine games in March, but he was otherwise healthy during his first full season with the Celtics.
Over the course of 73 appearances, the versatile swingman averaged career bests in points (14.2), rebounds (5.1), assists (1.8), steals (1.7) and blocks (0.5) per game. He also shot a personal-best 44.3 percent from the floor.
Furthermore, Crowder evolved into a dynamic defender beside Avery Bradley. Not only did the 6’6″, 235-pounder prove capable of taking on opposing small forwards, but he also emerged as a viable small-ball power forward after playing 22 percent of his minutes at the 4, per Basketball-Reference.com.
Stevens spoke about Crowder’s role on the team in April, per CSNNE.com’s Jimmy Toscano:
I think the defensive versatility stands out on that end, and then the shooting. And I think that that sometimes gets overlooked and not talked about. He’s a very accurate long-range shooter, and just another guy standing out there as a threat not only opens up his chances but opportunities for everybody else.
In three games this season, Crowder is averaging 14.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals per contest while shooting 53.3 percent from the field.
Should Boston’s perimeter linchpin miss time, No. 3 overall pick Jaylen Brown projects as Crowder’s primary replacement at the 3.
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