How good is Jae

[Atzar]

He's a Demarre Carroll / Trevor Ariza style small forward.  He's a really nice piece to have at that price.  One of the best non-rookie contracts in the league.

On this we wholeheartedly agree. Ainge looks like a genius on this deal. Not only did he get Crowder on virtually a "throw in" on the deal, he turned around and signed him for what is going to be around 7% of the cap throughout the prime years of his career.

I like this thought.  I think that, in many cases, percentage of cap space is a more meaningful evaluation of a contract than the number itself.

We have an above average starting SF locked up long-term for ~7% of the cap. 

[ThePaintedArea]

1. K. Leonard
2. Lbj
3. Durant
4. P. George
5. Melo
6. Crowder

Looks like you're looking at Real Plus-Minus?  By that measure, he's the Celtics' best player.

The others, in order:
Jared Sullinger
Amir Johnson
Isaiah Thomas
Kelly Olynyk
... et al.

[LilRip]

Crowder has been really impressive this year and he's easily outperforming his contract. He's not a top-flight SF like PG or LBJ, but he's on that second tier of SF's like Batum and Carroll who are sure fire starters on nearly every team.

[CroCorvus]

Def a starting calibre player if he can maintain his play at this level.

[ScoobyDoo]

1. K. Leonard
2. Lbj
3. Durant
4. P. George
5. Melo
6. Crowder

And in all honesty I would much rather have him than Carmelo Anthony, without reservation.

[loco_91]

Jae is our best two-way player, and it's a tight race but I still favor IT slightly as our best overall player.

Jae also has a strong case for best non-rookie contract in the league. And for most improved player. And for worst nickkname ('Bae'). And for and best KG impression, too.

[alldaboston]

I'm really liking how Jae is playing right now, and it's made me wonder a little about what we will do with the nets pick. Let's say it lands #2. Ingram is on the board. For those more knowledgeable about the college season than me, how does Ingram fit on this team? Doubt he's strong enough to play the 4 next to crowder, right? Or can they coexist in the frontcourt?

[hardlyyardley]

Pretty interesting how Marquette players coming into the NBA over the last several years who were not highly ranked have exceeded explanations

Wes Matthews
Jae Crowder
Jummy Butler

[Rondo9]

Pretty interesting how Marquette players coming into the NBA over the last several years who were not highly ranked have exceeded explanations

Wes Matthews
Jae Crowder
Jummy Butler

Dwayne Wade wasn't thought highly as well

[Kuberski33]

What I really like about Crowder this season is he got paid (granted not huge money but 5 completely guaranteed years) and he continues to get better.

[manl_lui]

I am glad Danny found our defensive cornerstones for the future in Smart and Crowder...

Crowder improving his offensive game is simply amazing! I do believe he can keep this up. He's been fairly consistent this year for us and I love it

[chilidawg]

Pretty interesting how Marquette players coming into the NBA over the last several years who were not highly ranked have exceeded explanations

Wes Matthews
Jae Crowder
Jummy Butler

Dwayne Wade wasn't thought highly as well

Wade was the 5th overall pick, behind James, Bosh, and Anthony, and yes Darko Milic.  Hard to argue that he wasn't highly thought of.   I still remember my Dad raving about him, saying he was going to be the next Jordan.

[Rondo9]

Pretty interesting how Marquette players coming into the NBA over the last several years who were not highly ranked have exceeded explanations

Wes Matthews
Jae Crowder
Jummy Butler

Dwayne Wade wasn't thought highly as well

Wade was the 5th overall pick, behind James, Bosh, and Anthony, and yes Darko Milic.  Hard to argue that he wasn't highly thought of.   I still remember my Dad raving about him, saying he was going to be the next Jordan.

I remember experts being shocked at wade being picked so high

[Celtics4ever]

Dwayne Wade wasn't thought highly as well

People knew about him after his NCAA performance against KY.   He was plenty well known if your aware of that.

http://www.bigbluehistory.net/bb/statistics/Games/20030329Marquette.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4MXZ1zE31E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR3d255pDhs

It was an awesome performance.

[BudweiserCeltic]

Dwayne Wade wasn't thought highly as well

People knew about him after his NCAA performance against KY.   He was plenty well known if your aware of that.

http://www.bigbluehistory.net/bb/statistics/Games/20030329Marquette.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4MXZ1zE31E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR3d255pDhs

It was an awesome performance.

I agree with you, but although the Heat took him at 5, which is a [dang] good spot considering how good of a draft that was, I saw quite a few mocks having him late lottery... 10th-11th.

Which is not a bad spot either, but considering how good ended up being, there's a case to be made for his inclusion.