Jae Crowder says Dallas Mavericks lack toughness
By Wes Goldberg
Jae Crowder believes the Dallas Mavericks lack toughness.
The Dallas Mavericks, led by one of the greatest finesse big men of all time in Dirk Nowitzki, have not been typically thought of us a tough team. In fact, a major area of concern on last season’s team was exactly that–a lack of toughness. Especially in the paint.
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The Dallas Mavericks did something to fix that. They traded Jose Calderon to the New York Knicks in a package that brought Tyson Chandler back to Dallas. However, third year small forward Jaw Crowder has been there his entire career and during that time he’s noticed that he brings something to the court that his teammates don’t.
Per Eddie Sefko, The Dallas Morning News.
"“I feel like if this team lacks anything right now, it’s toughness,” the 6-6 Crowder said. “We got a lot of guys who are very skillful. But I bring a different side, which is toughness, grit and grime.”"
Entering a new season, the Dallas Mavericks added Chandler Parsons to be the starting small forward in place of Shawn Marion. Crowder says he’s the tough guy, a la Kenneth Faried, but his numbers last season don’t reflect that. In 16 minutes per game last season, Crowder averaged just 2.5 rebounds, 0.3 blocks and 0.8 steals per game. Not to mention he averaged just 4.6 points per game. That doesn’t scream tough guy.
Still, in watching him play Crowder, he shows hustle and a willingness to use his body. Crowder should see some quality playing time this season, and he needs to start translating that toughness to the box score.
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