The Boston Celtics just got more flexibility with Jae Crowder back. Actually Crowder will be back for at least the next five years after being signed up for a contract worth $35 million.
Apparently the flexibility part not only covers Crowder as a player but also as far as his tenure is concerned. Such can be seen in the contract structure that he agreed to; although the more important task at hand is really how he fits into the philosophy that Danny Ainge and Celtics preach.
Crowder, best known perhaps as the guy who went down after being punched by J.R. Smith that led to a knee injury in the recently conclude NBA playoffs, claims that he is 100% healthy and ready to play for the coming NBA season.
So that all the more spells good news for the Celtics who seem to have weathered the rebuilding phase of their program and are looking to build on their surprise performance in the 2014-15 NBA wars.
For Danny Ainge, Crowder typifies what he wants the new Celtic squad to be. Apparently the NBA legend is referring to the energy and work ethic that Crowder brings and hopefully, such rubs off on his teammates.
With Crowder's case settled, it remains to be seen who among the other players are lined up next. The team has to settle the contracts of players like Tyler Zeller, Jared Sullinger, and Perry Jones, perhaps some of the only remnants whom the Celtics had when they started the rebuilding mode.
Other players who should make an impact for the Celtics include old hands Kelly Olynyk and, of course, Marcus Smart, the team's top pick last year.
There is also the arrival of David Lee (from Golden State Warriors) and the recent acquisition of Zoran Dragić (from Miami Heat). Lest we forget Isaiah Thomas who could be turning in a worthy performance this year after joining the team just last February.
From the looks of it, the Celtics could do better than last season. It may just be a matter of trying to blend in the guys to play on the same page as directed by head coach Brad Stevens.
