Google News
Jae Crowder, the forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, is facing a challenging period ahead after suffering a left adductor and abdominal tear. The injury, which occurred during Saturday's game against the Orlando Magic, has been diagnosed as requiring approximately two months of recovery.
Initially thought to be a groin strain, further evaluation by Dr. Bill Meyers in Philadelphia revealed the severity of Crowder's injury, leading to a scheduled surgery on Tuesday. Crowder, 33, had emerged as a key player for the Bucks this season, bringing a strong performance to the team’s early games.
He was averaging 8.1 points and 3.9 rebounds with an impressive 53% shooting accuracy, including 52% from the three-point line. His contribution had been particularly significant, considering he was logging the third-most minutes per game on the team, following stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
Impact on the Bucks and Crowder's Role
The injury comes as a blow to the Bucks, especially considering how Crowder had been integrating into the team dynamics. “Sports can be brutal at times,” remarked Bucks coach Adrian Griffin, acknowledging Crowder’s excellent condition at the start of the season and his vital role in the team's strategy.
Acquired at the trade deadline in February, Crowder had faced challenges in finding his rhythm during the first half of the 2022-23 season but had significantly improved under Griffin's guidance. As one of the team's key reserves, Crowder’s absence will likely require strategic adjustments.
He had appeared in all nine games this season, including making a couple of spot starts in place of forward Khris Middleton. His versatility and experience have been instrumental in the team’s performance thus far. Despite the setback, there is optimism regarding Crowder’s recovery and return.
Coach Griffin expressed confidence in Crowder's ability to bounce back, stating, “He'll be back way before the playoffs to get his rhythm back”. This suggests that while Crowder’s injury is a hurdle, it is not seen as a long-term impediment to his career or to the Bucks’ ambitions this season.
The next couple of months will be crucial for the Bucks as they navigate the absence of a key player, while Crowder focuses on his recovery and eventual return to the court.