Jae Crowder’s never had one consistent team for too long. In 14 seasons, the veteran role-playing forward has played for eight different franchises. Crowder’s most memorable stint was probably the two years he played with the Phoenix Suns, who fell just short of the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2021 NBA Finals.
But with Phoenix trying to retool around Kevin Durant now, the Suns ironically traded Crowder to Milwaukee earlier this month. Given the wonderful memories he created in the Arizona desert, it would’ve been understandable if Crowder was upset by the move.
We had such confirmation on Sunday as Crowder’s Bucks met the Suns for the first time.
After Milwaukee pulled off a massive 104-101 victory, Crowder (who made two vital three-pointers) was interviewed about his thoughts on overcoming Phoenix and was rather honest:
He basically asked his Bucks teammates to beat the Suns. Hilarious.
"Please get this win for me. I want this one real, real bad."
Jae Crowder on what he told his new #Bucks teammates before facing his forner team.
Milwaukee 104 Phoenix 101 Final.
Crowder two huge 3s in 4th. Finished with 7 points. #Suns pic.twitter.com/8HRCmlyNx1
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 26, 2023
Look at the pure joy on Crowder’s face before he even shares his reaction about revenge. This man clearly had this specific matchup circled on his calendar the moment he had to call Milwaukee home.
Given the caliber of his talent and scoring ability, the Suns understandably might be in a better place with Durant. But should Phoenix make another run to this summer’s NBA Finals, it may face Crowder’s Bucks — the Eastern Conference’s current No. 2 seed — for a chance at the title.
If it comes down to it, you have to think Crowder will relish another chance to make the Suns regret ever sending him away.
