Boston Celtics

Is Jae Crowder Boston's best player?

Published Jan. 5, 2016 1:23 p.m. ET

foxsports

Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder didn't have much of an NBA career before the Dallas Mavericks traded him. He was seldom-used on a veteran club.

But in Boston, he's a tone-setter, the grizzled defensive presence who makes everything easier for his teammates. On Monday night, Crowder scored a career-high 25 points against the Brooklyn Nets, avenging an ugly loss to the same team two days prior. Here's more on how important Crowder is to his new organization, per MassLive's Jay King:

Just before ending a 10-minute stint, he slid over to take a charge on Wayne Ellington, a fitting way to express just how thoroughly Crowder's physicality owned the quarter. Few in Boston will argue if you call Thomas a rightful All-Star, but on a list of roster irreplaceability, Crowder would be right up there with the little lefty. When fielding lineups with both players, the Celtics outscore opponents by 8.6 points per 100 possessions, according to NBA.com.

Crowder is averaging 13.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game—both nearly double his previous career bests. His three-point shot is now a legitimate weapon that defenders can't ignore, either.

The 25-year-old may not be an All-Star, but he's probably Boston's most important player.