Former Celtics starter without a job may be forced into retirement

Former Boston Celtics player Jae Crowder faces potential retirement due to currently being without an NBA team. Crowder only participated in nine games last season with the Sacramento Kings, following two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. He hasn't played at least 60 games in a season since the 2021-22 campaign with the Phoenix Suns.

Now 35 years old, Crowder is in the twilight of his NBA career. If he fails to secure a contract with a team soon, he may be forced to retire.

Crowder played for the Celtics for two-and-a-half years starting in December 2014, arriving via the Rajon Rondo trade alongside Isaiah Thomas. He was a significant rotation player and full-time starter during this period, contributing to deep playoff runs including the 2017 Eastern Conference finals. He appeared in 202 regular-season games for Boston, his most for any franchise, averaging 12.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while shooting 44.4% from the field and 35.3% from three-point range.

He was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the summer of 2017 as part of the Kyrie Irving deal.

The article notes Crowder's significant decline. Once a versatile defensive specialist capable of guarding multiple positions and hitting three-pointers, his defensive impact has waned. Crucially, his three-point shooting has plummeted: since the 2021-22 season, he has shot just 35.4% from distance and 41.2% from the field overall. While a team might offer a minimum contract for his veteran presence, his NBA career appears likely over.