Crowder starts, adds to Kings’ win hours after signing contract

Crowder starts, adds to Kings’ win hours after signing contract originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

In a matter of less than 24 hours, Jae Crowder went from an NBA free agent to starting for the Kings.

And what a memorable Kings debut it was for the veteran forward in Sacramento’s cathartic 115-104 road victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night at Target Center.

Crowder finished with eight points, four rebounds and a steal, although it was his late-game defensive play on Minnesota Julius Randle that earned the proven veteran the Kings’ Defensive Player of the Game nod.

But perhaps more impressive was the 34-year-old’s ability to hit the court running on such a short notice.

According to coach Mike Brown, Crowder landed in Minnesota at 11 p.m. on Tuesday night, but was not cleared to sign his Kings contract or play until three hours before tipoff, having to go through a series of physical tests and team-oriented meetings beforehand. The veteran even missed pre-game shootarounds.

“I had a physical, and I walked in probably 20 minutes late this morning,” Crowder told reporters.

“Coach Mike introduced me and then we put the matchups up. I saw my name and I’m like, ‘Holy crap. I’m in the fire.’ I was so ready to get home and get my nap, get my routine going.

“I didn’t know if I was going to play tonight, but once I walked into that meeting room with the guys, I saw my name. I was like, ‘Alright, it’s here.’ So, I just prepared and tried to get my mind where it needs to be.”

Crowder, selected 34th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2012 NBA Draft, is in his 12th season, with the Kings being his ninth team.

He’s the epitome of a league veteran with proven playoff experience, reasons as to why Brown and Co. signed him following Trey Lyles’ calf injury.

“Jae has been around a long time,” Brown said. “He’s been in the league [for] 12 years. He’s been in the playoffs 11 straight years, so he knows what it takes to win.”

Crowder’s unquestionable defensive abilities can’t be overlooked, either.

“Not only that, he’s a grown a-s man, and he can guard…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/crowder-starts-adds-kings-win-064540473.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-11-28 06:45:00

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