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Adrian Griffin gives latest injury update on Jae Crowder
Much-needed help for the skidding Milwaukee Bucks is on the way after Jae Crowder finally had his first five-on-five scrimmage on Tuesday.
Promising signs
Coach Adrian Griffin disclosed that Crowder did well in his 5-on-5 work with the Wisconsin Herd, an indication that the defensive specialist is nearing a return.
“It went great. I watched it in entirety. He was able to get some good contact. Responded well this morning. So, he's progressing quite well. It was good to see him out there,” said Griffin, per Eric Nehm of The Athletic.
Crowder, together with AJ Green and Chris Livingston, were assigned to the Herd on Tuesday but were immediately recalled to the Bucks. Jae has not played since November 11th after suffering an abdominal and adductor strain in Milwaukee's 97-112 loss to the Orlando Magic.
The 12-year veteran was expected to give the Bucks more defensive teeth when he joined the team in February last year.
Milwaukee badly needs Jae’s defense
Last season, Crowder played 18 games and averaged 6.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.3 blocks.
Crowder’s injury that needed surgery limited him to just nine games this season, including two starts. The 33-year-old forward was averaging 8.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.3 blocks in 26.7 minutes of playing per contest before being sidelined with the injury.
The possibility of Crowder returning soon is a welcome development for a Bucks squad that is off to a rough start this year.
Milwaukee lost four of its first five games this month. The slump was attributed to the Bucks inability to defend well, a problem that Jae can definitely help solve.
