The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz vs Portland: Can the Jazz make it nine in a row?

By John Keeffer

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 9: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts during game against the Charlotte Hornets on February 9, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 9: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts during game against the Charlotte Hornets on February 9, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Utah Jazz Jae Crowder Cleveland Cavaliers Trade
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – DECEMBER 30: Jae Crowder #99 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against the Utah Jazz on December 30, 2017 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Can the Jazz get the most out of Jae Crowder?

During his final year with the Boston Celtics, Jae Crowder was viewed as one of the top 3-and-D players in the league. He was averaging 14 points per game and shooting 40 percent from three. He was also routinely asked to lock up the opposing team’s top perimeter threats.

When the deal struck last offseason sending him to the Cavs, there were many who felt like the inclusion of Crowder helped the Cavs win the trade. In his 53 games with the team, though, he only averaged 8.6 points on 33 percent shooting from three. He also looked much more relaxed on the defensive end, and appeared to have somewhat checked out. After hearing all of the reports coming out of that locker room, it’s not hard to see why.

This will be a great opportunity for him to show the NBA landscape that his poor performance was situational, and that he can still be an important component of a playoff team.

Jae Crowder has the ability to fill two roles for the Jazz. He help fill the void of losing Rodney Hood on the wing, but he can also help replace Joe Johnson as the stretch four for this team. The Jazz need a stretch four. It is going to be necessary if they are going to keep Favors and Gobert.

Watch for Crowder to have an important role early on. I expect he takes on all of Johnson’s minutes, and we aren’t likely going to be seeing much of Jonas Jerebko going forward. If Crowder can get his mojo back and be the Boston version of himself, the Jazz are going to be in a good position to not just win this game, but many more.

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