Jae Crowder is a muscle-bound 6’6, 235 pounds. He plays for arguably the most glamorous franchise in professional basketball, and is the new recipient of a five-year contract worth $35 million. At least according to conventional wisdom, then, the 24-year-old should have no problems finding a partner. Even so, that hardly means he wasn’t excited to learn of his new nickname.
At Boston Celtics media day, Crowder was asked what he thought of some fans referring to him as “Bae” Crowder on social media. Watch above for his response in full; it’s so perfect, though, that we took the opportunity to transcribe the best of it, too.
Crowder: I don’t say I don’t like it, but I haven’t heard it a lot.
Reporter: It’s out there.
Crowder: “Bae” Crowder? So a lot of people have crushes on me?
Reporter: Apparently.
Crowder: Men and women?
Reporter: Absolutely.
Crowder: Right on. (fist pump)
We’ve always been a fan of Crowder’s game.
It’s easy to root for former second-round picks, especially those who forge a meaningful career gleaned from such obvious grit and desire. But the Marquette product’s ability to capably check multiple positions and play far bigger than his size suggests is what has long drawn us to him. If he can ever develop a reliable jumper from beyond the arc, Crowder seems the quintessential role player for the modern NBA.
And clearly, he already boasts the natural charm and social awareness to become even more than that.
[Via CLNS Radio] [h/t r/nba]
