NBA veteran linked to NBL

A 14-year NBA veteran might be the next big name to join the NBL, according to a news report released this week.

CODE Sports has linked 35-year-old Jae Crowder to Adelaide, as coach, Trevor Gleeson, and head of basketball operations, Matt Weston, finalise the team’s final import spot and roster.

If not Adelaide, Crowder has emerged as a genuine option for other NBL teams looking for a power forward. Significantly, Crowder spent the BSN season in Puerto Rico with Vaqueros de Bayamon alongside Xavier Cooks and Jaylin Galloway where he was named an All-Star.

“Amid reports late-season replacement John Jenkins would return for a second season with the Sixers, CODE Sports has been told new coach Trevor Gleeson and the club had not made any decision on who would be the club’s third and final import,” Code’s Mick Randall and Matt Logue suggested.

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At 198cm and 107kg, Crowder built a NBA career as a role player known for his toughness and grit, and experienced back-to-back Finals appearances with Miami in 2020 and Phoenix in 2021. He also had a stint as a teammate of LeBron James in Cleveland.

2001 NBL champion Damon Lowery knows the impact the someone with Crowder's pedigree would have on the Hungry Jack's NBL.

“He would bring ridiculous NBA experience - damn near 1000 games and his impact was significant," Lowery said,.

“A 6’6 wing with strength, defence and shooting ability; I would definitely pay to be in the crowd to watch Crowder.”

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