Monty Williams Responds to Jae Crowder's Criticism of Suns, Coaching Staff

For a large portion of the regular season, Phoenix Suns PF Jae Crowder has remained quiet and out of picture.

The Suns have now been trying for months to move Crowder despite some roadblocks within the organization and overall difficulty in the trade market. The hope was for Phoenix to get a "starting-caliber" player in return for the 32-year-old three-and-D player, yet nothing has materialized.

Now, with just weeks remaining until the NBA's trade deadline of Feb. 9, Crowder has broken his silence.

"I've spoken to every player that I've played with on that team and they all have stressed how much they miss [me] and respect my decision, and I'm thankful for their understanding," Crowder said to Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes via text message. "This move of pushing me out the door was a blindsided hit to not only me but my teammates, as you can see from speaking to them and myself and the conversations we've had behind closed doors.

"I will continue to prepare myself daily for battle once the call is made and continue to be a leader on the court, locker room, as well as off the court. I am thankful my teammates appreciated my leadership. I'm confused and hurt my coaches didn't appreciate the things I brought to our team and organization. And this has nothing to do with financial or contract differences," said Crowder.

Suns coach Monty Williams is the league's reigning NBA Coach of the Year, and while his x's and o's has fallen under heavy fire in the postseason, an overwhelming majority of his players would run through a wall for Williams with no questions asked.

So it's a bit odd when negative things are thrown towards Williams and his staff, as they've played a large role in helping to change the culture in Phoenix.

Williams spoke on the matter prior to the team's game in Minnesota on Friday night (h/t Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic).

"When I see stuff like that, I just keep it moving," Williams.

"My focus is on the guys who are here. I have a great deal of respect and love for everybody that's played for us because I understand what it takes to play in this league. When people say stuff like that, it's a direct shot and it's unfortunate, but you have to focus on what you have to everyday. That doesn't mean you don't care about guys, but when I saw it, I just kind of shook my head. No need to really even comment. The only comment I have is that I care for everybody that plays for us and has played for us.

"The thing that I've been consistent with is the stuff that goes on here, stays here," Williams said. "I'm not one to use the media to get a point across. It's just not my way. It's not how we do business. We respect everybody that has played for us. I think that's by and large if you talk to anybody that's been through our program, they'd tell you the same thing."

For both parties, Crowder can't be gone soon enough.