Miami Heat: 3 Guys That May Finally Replace Jae Crowder
By Juan Pacheco
Miami Heat’s Jae Crowder Replacements: Rajon Rondo
Now I know Rajon Rondo is not a wing and definitely can not guard taller players like Crowder or the aforementioned players. However, that does not mean he isn’t just as gritty and can’t be as valuable as Crowder.
3. Rajon Rondo
Rondo has always been an excellent defensive guard and has emerged as one of the best leaders in the NBA. In the 2020 playoffs, Rondo was a huge piece in the Lakers’ Finals win.
While, offensively, he is not the same Rondo as the one from back in the day, I believe the court vision is still there and he is definitely a player whose voice will hold weight in the locker room. Rondo is tough, rough, and will not back down from anybody.
The intangibles he possesses would fit right in with the current squad and match up with Crowder’s. Rondo will get in players’ faces and hold them accountable without holding back.
He also has championship experience, which is something this current roster seems to lack. He was a key contributor in the 2020 playoffs and came up clutch for the Lakers many times in the Finals against Miami.
Rondo’s passing ability, mixed with his abrasiveness, could really help unlock Bam Adebayo. Think of what Chris Paul was able to do for DeAndre Ayton this season.
Obviously, Rondo is not the player Paul is, but he is certainly a more than serviceable passer and distributor of the ball. He averaged around six assists in his time with the Clippers, showing he is still an above average player when it comes to setting up teammates.
A player like Rondo, who will get in Bam’s face when he is not being aggressive enough and then set him up to attack or score, would be an amazing fit. One thing is obvious though.
No matter what player the Heat decide to pursue, there is a hole there. The Jae Crowder role must be filled as quickly as possible.
Next. 3 Offseason Needs Exposed By Milwaukee Bucks. dark
Crowder is long gone but he left the Heat with a parting gift. That came in the form of showing them how important a player of his mold is when building a roster to contend for a championship.