Dairyland Express
Fansided

3 Bucks Who Need to Step Up after Jae Crowder’s Injury

By Brian Sampson

Nov 3, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jae Crowder (99) reacts after scoring a 3-point basket in the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jae Crowder (99) reacts after scoring a 3-point basket in the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next
Nov 1, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. (44) dunks the ball during the second half of the game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. (44) dunks the ball during the second half of the game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Jae Crowder had, at last, hit his stride with the Milwaukee Bucks. It’s been a nine-month journey since Milwaukee acquired him, a ride more tumultuous than serene, marked by struggles and a quest for on-court equilibrium. However, just as Crowder was settling into his rhythm, the basketball gods played a cruel hand, benching him with an untimely injury.

Crowder was ruled out for around eight weeks on Monday when it was announced he would be undergoing surgery on his adductor and abdominal. In lamen terms, he suffered a serious groin injury.

With a team-high 51.6 percent accuracy from beyond the arc, Crowder had finally found his shooting touch, a redemption from earlier struggles since arriving in Milwaukee. His defense, though not fully restored, aligned more with the Bucks’ game plan. Most importantly, his swagger and confidence were back in full force.

These factors collectively amplify the weight of his absence, a bitter pill for the Bucks to swallow. The silver lining rests in the Bucks’ wing depth, as they have several quality candidates who can step up in his stead.

These three players on the Milwaukee Bucks have big shoes to fill and need to step up following Jae Crowder’s injury that will sideline him for two months.

Bucks Who Need to Step Up: Andre Jackson Jr.

Andre Jackson Jr. is a magnetic presence on the basketball court, leaping out at you both in the literal and figurative sense. In terms of athleticism, he stands as the most dynamic Buck after Giannis Antetokounmpo. His court presence is a kinetic display, characterized by a fearless propulsion, an energy that readily infects his teammates.

Yet, to maximize his impact, Jackson must harness this exuberance. At times, this unrestrained energy leads to foul trouble and overzealous mistakes. Nevertheless, the head coach Adrian Griffin craves this infusion of youth, athleticism, and vigor. Jackson’s versatility is evident–he can play and defend multiple positions and can do a little bit of everything except shoot. With Crowder on the sidelines, Jackson Jr will have the chance to be a transformative force coming off the bench—a catalyst for change.

Home/Milwaukee Bucks