Milwaukee Bucks’ Jae Crowder Reveals Harsh Reality He’s Living In During Extended Injury Spell

Milwaukee Bucks Jae Crowder Trade

Feb 14, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jae Crowder (middle) watches game from the bench in the second quarter during game against the Boston Celtics at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jae Crowder isn’t expected to take the court for the Milwaukee Bucks for the foreseeable future. The veteran recently underwent surgery to repair an adductor injury and he was given a two-month recovery timetable.

It’s been a tough road for Crowder thus far as he navigates life on the sidelines.

Milwaukee Bucks’ Froward Jae Crowder Gets Real on Injury

Oct 26, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jae Crowder (99) celebrates after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
In a recent interview with Eric Nehm of The Athletic, Crowder spoke honestly about how difficult it has been for him to traverse this path toward full recovery:

“It’s a test of your mental capacity, just honing rehab and not trying to look too far ahead,” Crowder said. “I don’t look backwards in life at all. I only look ahead. I think once I put my mind to what I need to work on and work toward, I’m OK. My girl was just asking me on the way here, how is your mental? I swear to God she just texted me that. I’m very good. My circle is good, my people, my family is helping me. Our PT and our medical staff here is doing a great job with me every day.”

You love to hear it. Injuries are one of the toughest parts of being an NBA player, especially those that require you to sit out for extended periods. It’s a good thing that Crowder has his head in the right place because it’s going to be a tough battle ahead for him.

‘My Mental Was Definitely Tested’

Oct 26, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) talks with Jae Crowder (99) during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Despite the positive state he currently finds himself in, Crowder admits that this hasn’t always been the case for him:

“I know I’m probably trying to overwork this thing, but they keep me where I need to be mentally and physically I’m just putting the work in,” he continued. “I think my mental was definitely tested early with this whole process sand now I’m at a good stage; the guys are playing well, we’re getting W’s, no one’s panicking. I’m just eager to get back and continue to build with the team and hopefully ride it into the playoffs.”

Crowder is a tested veteran who has been through quite a lot in his career. You can only imagine how these types of injuries can affect younger players who have not built up enough mental fortitude.

Mar 5, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jae Crowder (99) holds the ball against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports (NBA Rumors)

One major step that Crowder took recently is rejoining his team on the bench. He won’t be suiting up anytime soon, but the fact that he is now physically part of the team has been a blessing for him.

“Great. That helped me a lot too,” he said. “When I touched the ball, I was like, ‘All right, I’m getting close. I’m not too far behind.’ I’m 14, 15 days post-op, and I feel great.”

It’s only a matter of time before Crowder is able to return to action. He’s no star, but he will play a crucial role for Milwaukee the rest of the way.