4. Offensive Versatility
Jae Crowder won the 2012 Big East Player of the Year award on the strength of his versatility. The former Marquette Golden Eagles star could defend multiple positions and play a variety of roles on the offensive end of the floor.
Crowder’s primary appeal is on defense, but he’s a quality offensive player who can help Jeff Hornacek build a flourishing system.
Crowder finished the 2016-17 regular season with averages of 13.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.0 steal, and 2.2 3-point field goals made per game. He did so on an efficient slash line of .463/.398/.811 and committed just 1.1 turnovers per contest.
Having made 279 3-point field goals over the past two seasons, the numbers support the belief that Crowder can help space the floor in a motion offense.
In addition to being a capable 3-point shooter, Crowder can fill any number of roles. He can facilitate from the high post, handle the ball in transition, post up smaller defenders, and get to and finish at the free throw line.
Crowder may not be an offensive star in the NBA, but he’s a well-rounded player who can fit in either Hornacek’s up-tempo system or Phil Jackson and Tex Winter’s triangle offense.