Jae Crowder’s first game with the Utah Jazz on Sunday was one of the better ones he has had this season, and it sounds like he does not think that was a coincidence.
After Crowder helped the Jazz to a convincing win over the Portland Trail Blazers with 15 points, five rebounds and three assists, the veteran forward may have taken some subtle shots at his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammates and coaches.
“I got back to having fun playing basketball with a great group of guys,” Crowder said. “We were playing off one another. Coach (Quin Snyder) gives a lot of freedom to these guys — some structure and a lot of freedom, and I love it. I love playing with them. I love playing within a system. It’ll be fun.”
The Cavs traded away six players before the trade deadline last week, and Crowder was one of them. Judging by the early reactions to the moves, most people seem happy and rejuvenated. Isaiah Thomas said he felt revitalized after his debut with the Los Angeles Lakers, and LeBron James appeared to throw shade at his former teammates after the Cavs blew out the Boston Celtics on Sunday.
While any and all of the aforementioned guys could be experiencing a honeymoon phase, you get the sense that a lot of people are relieved to no longer be playing together.
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