Jae Crowder fits the Miami Heat culture, roster, and gameplan. He’s culture approved.
Jae Crowder fits on this Heat team like a glove. From the well known (and valued) culture to the roster construction and down to the game plan implemented by Coach Spo, Crowder fits with the group.
Roster wise, it’s important to consider the seemingly inevitable departure of Meyers Leonard, as well as the potential departure of guys like Derrick Jones Jr. and Solomon Hill. While a Leonard exit would require bringing in a different type of player, Jones Jr. and Hill have similarities to Crowder on the court.
Jones Jr. could be in line for a pricey multi-year deal given his flash and age, while Hill shouldn’t be more than a depth piece at this point in his career. Crowder is and will be the most useful player for the Heat next season of these three.
Finally, Coach Spo seems to be at his best when he has the kind of roster the Heat would be running it back with next season. This is a roster that’s extremely versatile from top to bottom, with role players that fit next to the key players naturally, a group that understands the goal, and embraces the path.
Crowder is crucial to the versatility of the team, as he’s listed as slightly shorter than Jimmy Butler but meshes very well alongside him. Crowder does great work for his size on the defensive glass, shoots the ball well when open, and tends to make the right basketball play.
His fit is so good with this team that I expect the Heat to have plans on bringing him back whether they have a perfect 2021 free agency or miss on all their targets.