Jae Crowder Exceeding Expectations

Jae Crowder is doing something no other rookie has done for coach Rick Carlisle. He's earned his way into the Mavs' rotation. Not only that, but he's a legitimate contributor to the team's success this year. Seven games into the season Crowder is averaging almost 8 points and 3 rebounds per game and playing about 22 minutes each night. But his biggest contributions don't show up on the stat sheet. Crowder has played as if he's the second coming of veteran Shawn Marion, quickly becoming arguably the most versatile player on the team. At 6'6'', 235 lbs, Crowder has the body build and athleticism to cover virtually every position on the floor. Coach Carlisle described Crowder as “a good scrambler,” which means he’s able to pick up any assignment after being picked off his man, regardless of the offensive player's position. He also had more bench press reps (20 reps of 185 lbs.) than any other rookie at the NBA draft combine. But Jae isn't just one of those raw, defensive minded scrappers. He's been extremely efficient with his shot selection, shooting 46% (including 42% from behind the arc).
 The Mavericks’ health issues have undoubtedly played a factor. Marion and Dirk Nowitzki are currently both out, but Crowder won’t necessarily retreat to the bench when they return. Whereas it’s hard to find minutes for most rookies (Jared Cunningham and Bernard James have barely played), it’s even harder to keep Crowder off the floor. His distinct edge is that he knows how to get on the floor and stay there. A lottery pick player plays because the team used a significant resource to acquire that player, presumably because they believe he shows promise. Jae Crowder was not only a second round pick, but he wasn't even hand selected by Dallas. He was the 2012 Big East player of the year, but his draft stock was nothing special. Scouts were unsure what position he would play professionally and doubted his style of play would translate well into the NBA. He came into training camp with everything to prove, and so far he has worked his ass off to get out of Carlisle's rookie doghouse. He's even started the past two games, which is completely unheard of by a Carlisle-coached first year player.
The Mavericks have traditionally not had the most successful draft day moves. Rolando Blackman, Mark Aguirre, Jason Kidd, and Dirk Nowitzki are probably the only indisputed draft day acquisitions that have proven to be beneficial to the franchise. Four players. Out of a 22 year period, that's it. A case could possibly be made for Devin Harris and Josh Howard, who helped the Mavs reach the 2006 Finals, but their time in Dallas fizzled out shortly after with very little to show for it. Jae Crowder could break that pattern. He doesn't play like a rookie. Even though it's only been 7 games into the season, it's obvious the dude knows the game of basketball pretty damn well. He's poised, disciplined, and looks cool with his dreads. Jae Crowder gives Mavs fans something to look forward to all season, and hopefully much longer than that.