Sean Cunningham is “cautiously optimistic” about Kings adding Jae Crowder

Nov 27, 2024, 1:30 PM

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 07: Jae Crowder #99 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts during the first hal...

Jae Crowder #99 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts during the first half against the New York Knicks at Fiserv Forum on April 07, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

(Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Sactown Sports writer

On Wednesday’s edition of The Allen Stiles show, Stiles was joined by Fox 40’s reporter Sean Cunningham to discuss the Sacramento Kings recent four-game losing skid, their decision to add forward Jae Crowder, what the veteran could bring to their 2024-25 squad, and more.

“I could envision Jae Crowder being a fit with this team, being here for the entire season and playing certainly a type of role that they need,” Cunningham said. “But I could also see it going the other way where it’s not a guaranteed deal, and he’s not around for the long term.”

“So, I’m cautiously optimistic,” he continued. “I’m very interested to see what he has and the impact that he can have because, let’s face it, especially with perimeter defense, toughness, and the ability to punch first. These are the types of players that they need.”

They drew comparisons to Vince Carter and Zach Randolph joining a younger Kings’ team years ago and taking away developmental minutes from their younger player, but who knows the type of impact that Jae Crowder could provide to an 8-10 team that could use a spark?

More on Jae Crowder

Crowder, 34, played 50 games with the Milwaukee Bucks last season, where he averaged 6.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.8 steals on 42.2 percent from the field, 34.9 percent from three, and 72.2 percent on free throws.

Having spent 12 seasons in the NBA, Crowder has been a significant member of multiple deep playoff runs and is known for his tenacious defense and efforts on the floor.

Details on Crowder’s deal with Sacramento are currently unclear–as is his status for Wednesday’s game in Minnesota–but it’s fair to expect that he will be on the veteran’s minimum.

The Kings’ signing of Crowder aligns with the news that Sacramento will also be without forward Trey Lyles (right calf strain) for three to four weeks, meaning that the longtime wing could find himself being firmly in the rotation upon joining his new team.

Six-time All-Star forward DeMar DeRozan (lower back muscle inflammation) will also be sidelined for the Kings on Wednesday night in Minnesota.

When is the next Sacramento Kings game?

Sacramento will hit the road for a brief two-game trip that will begin on Wednesday night in Minnesota against Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves.

Minnesota will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back after facing the Houston Rockets on Tuesday at the Target Center.

Be sure to catch all of the Kings vs. T-Wolves action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage starting at 2:00 PM PT on The Drive Guys before action tips off at 5:00 PM PT from Minneapolis.