Veteran Forward Jae Crowder features in the starting Lineup against Timberwolves hours later being signed for Sacramento Kings

After a brief hiatus, veteran forward Jae Crowder is officially back in the NBA. The 34-year-old has signed with the Sacramento Kings, marking a new chapter in his 13-year career. The team confirmed the deal on Wednesday, though the specific terms of the contract have not yet been disclosed. Despite the quick turn of events, the Kings wasted no time in getting Crowder involved, as he was immediately included in the starting lineup for Sacramento’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night.

A Well-Travelled Veteran

Crowder’s arrival in Sacramento marks his ninth NBA team. Having spent the last two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, he brings a wealth of experience to the Kings. Originally selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the 2012 NBA Draft, Crowder has established himself as a reliable forward over the years, averaging 6.2 points and 3.2 rebounds per game in the 2023-2024 season with the Bucks.

His playing style has helped his previous teams reach new heights, including back-to-back NBA Finals appearances with both the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns. However, Crowder is yet to capture that elusive NBA championship, a goal he’ll continue to pursue as he joins Sacramento.

Crowder’s Role with the Kings:

Though Crowder’s exact role with the Kings is still unfolding, he is expected to add valuable depth to the team’s frontcourt. With key players such as Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis already on the roster, Crowder’s experience and versatility could provide much-needed support as the team navigates a rough patch in the season.

The Kings have faced some challenges recently, losing seven of their last 10 games leading into Wednesday’s matchup against the Timberwolves. Crowder’s arrival comes at a critical time, especially with injuries affecting the team’s lineup. Forward Trey Lyles is sidelined for at least three weeks due to a right calf strain, and DeMar DeRozan is also unavailable due to lower back muscle inflammation, with an uncertain recovery timeline. To make matters more complicated, Sacramento’s third-year coach Mike Brown was fined $35,000 for an incident involving an official during the team’s loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.

Looking Ahead:

While it remains unclear how Crowder will fit into Sacramento’s long-term plans, he certainly has the potential to make an immediate impact. His leadership and depth could help stabilize the Kings during this rough patch, and perhaps even be the catalyst needed to turn their season around. With Crowder’s resilience and experience in high-pressure situations, his presence could be exactly what Sacramento needs to get back on track.

Jae Crowder’s return to the NBA with the Sacramento Kings is an exciting development for both the player and the team. Although his role is still evolving, Crowder has a proven track record of elevating his team’s performance and providing critical veteran leadership. As Sacramento looks to recover from a tough stretch and push forward in the 2024-2025 season, Crowder’s contributions could be the key to their success.