Phoenix Suns: Final regular-season grades
By Noah Velasco
Phoenix Suns power forward Jae Crowder final grade: B
Grading the power forward spot is a little tricky. Jae Crowder is the main man for the spot but his ankle injury caused him time off where other players like Torrey Craig and Cameron Johnson filled in. Ultimately Crowder will get the grade since he is Phoenix’s go-to for the four spot.
Crowder’s ankle injury didn’t harm the team too much especially since its winning percentage was better but once he returned from that injury Suns fans realized what they were missing.
His presence was huge in the wins against the Knicks and Hawks. Scoring big crunch time 3s and handling the bigger players on the other team.
While he is too short to be considered a “big” in the NBA his physique helps him match up with the taller forwards he is tasked with guarding.
In his last five games, Crowder averaged 45.% from beyond the arc and 12.8 points. Crowder is never going to be called upon to lead the team in scoring but what he does need to do is be the knock-down shooter and presence on defense. Both of which he does well.
Crowder’s grade remains a B. He is a solid role player and his playoff experience will benefit the young Suns going into the postseason.