Crowder & Jimmy Butler

[DraftSmart33]

I read an article recently discussing Jae Crowder and his relationship with Jimmy Butler.  In the article (linked below) Butler talks about Marquette guys, their strong work ethic, and it mentions that he's a year older than Crowder.  I don't know why but I always thought Crowder was a few years older..anyway the thought occurred to me to compare their stats and I was surprised at the similarities.....Is Crowder about to have a huge leap in his statistical output? Could we already have our small forward?

Jae Crowder (Year 3....Post All-Star Break with Celtics)
Min      FG%         3PT%       FT%        REB      AST      STL      PTS       PER
27.4     40%         27%         78%        5.8       1.6       1.0      11.5      13.9
Jimmy Butler (Year 3 of Career)
Min       FG%        3PT%       FT%        REB      AST      STL      PTS       PER
38.7     40%         28%         77%        4.9       2.6       1.9      13.1      13.5

Pretty similar with 11min less playing time....I would love for Ainge to make a run a Butler.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/01/17/bulls-jimmy-butler-praises-former-college-teammate-jae-crowder/E0Lo5RirK1H2oJR8iAYBsO/story.html

[jambr380]

I love Crowder and think that any championship level team would love him, too, but I just don't think he has the ball-handling skills to make the leap like Butler did.

Both on the Cs? Sign me up!

[Denis998]

Hmm, this is very interesting, and I have mixed views on it. Its kinda weird actually, I cant picture it happening, but at the same time I cant rule it out. Can Jae take on the role as a go to scorer? Can he average 20 points a game? He needs to bump his 3 point shooting in order to do so. And he needs to drive to the rim more often, get to the strip as well.

[Ilikesports17]

In the playoffs I thought Jae started to look the part.

His defense I think is tremendous. He started to get to the point where I felt he could score in a few ways. I think he is growing as a slasher and if he can shoot the 3 at a decent clip I think he could be an ok starter. I dont expect a Jimmy Butler like emergence, because Butler had a better athletic profile and he had a more improvable skillset and he also had a lot of factors that contributed to his slower development.

[Iggzilla]

I think Crowder's ceiling is as a 3-and-D player. I can see him evolving into another DeMarre Carroll (excellent defense, decent 3-point shooting, knack for hustle plays and same hair lol) more than a Jimmy Butler, simply because Butler has the ball-handling skills that gives him more offensive creativity.

[Csfan1984]

Crowder is less of a defender and shot creator. It's wishful thinking and highly unlikely Crowder is more than a minor role player.

[Celtics18]

Nice post.  That comparison is certainly encouraging. 

[clover]

Hmm, this is very interesting, and I have mixed views on it. Its kinda weird actually, I cant picture it happening, but at the same time I cant rule it out. Can Jae take on the role as a go to scorer? Can he average 20 points a game? He needs to bump his 3 point shooting in order to do so. And he needs to drive to the rim more often, get to the strip as well.

Jimmy Butler was also a much better 3pt shooter before and after that year.

[jambr380]

Crowder is less of a defender and shot creator. It's wishful thinking and highly unlikely Crowder is more than a minor role player.

I suppose Butler maybe better at the technical aspects of defending, but Crowder's toughness and tenacity is what it's all about. The guy may not have a Butler-like curve, but he is awesome. If the identity of this team is going in the Smart, Crowder, AB direction, then I am going to love this team for years. Less talented teams can overachieve with effort and grit.

But I agree we still need a couple of stars.

[More Banners]

JC is a 3-D player in the mold of Bowen/Posey. Tough as nails, versatile defender, etc. No wonder he shined when given opportunity, but let's not expect miracles.

[Celtics18]

JC is a 3-D player in the mold of Bowen/Posey. Tough as nails, versatile defender, etc. No wonder he shined when given opportunity, but let's not expect miracles.

I wonder if Bulls fans were expecting a miracle from Jimmy Butler?

Unfortunately, the odds on NBA miracles being what they are, we probably can't expect one of Butlerian proportions again right away.

[DraftSmart33]

I wasn't suggesting that Crowder is going to progress to the level of Butler, but the numbers are incredibly similar.  My hope is the Crowder can become a solid starter on our roster.  One thing is for sure...consistent playing time and familiarity with the Celts schemes should encourage some improvement.  My biggest worry about Crowder getting his minutes is Smarts progress as a play caller and distributer...we were so dependent on Turner last year.

[Denis998]

I wasn't suggesting that Crowder is going to progress to the level of Butler, but the numbers are incredibly similar.  My hope is the Crowder can become a solid starter on our roster.  One thing is for sure...consistent playing time and familiarity with the Celts schemes should encourage some improvement.  My biggest worry about Crowder getting his minutes is Smarts progress as a play caller and distributer...we were so dependent on Turner last year.

having rondo on the team didn't help Smart much either.

[Csfan1984]

I really don't get the Crowder love though. People pumping him up all the time and talking as if he is part of the future. He is at best Eric Williams, nice guy to have on your roster but not an impact player. He is 24 going on 25. If he played starter minutes he would get around 14pts 7 rebs and have 5 fouls. This is like the KO improvement fantasy. These guys are what they are. Trade them while you can.

[Hemingway]

I think Crowder's ceiling is as a 3-and-D player. I can see him evolving into another DeMarre Carroll (excellent defense, decent 3-point shooting, knack for hustle plays and same hair lol) more than a Jimmy Butler, simply because Butler has the ball-handling skills that gives him more offensive creativity.

Crowder's floor may be a 3 and D guy. When he first got here he just shot 3s mainly on O but as time went on and he fit in better he started to drive more.

I'd say Crowder and Smart are the 2 guys we have that I expect to really go up in value (I guess Young too but thats different as he showed nothing so far.)