The Sacramento Kings have not had the success they had hoped for to start the season. A bevy of injuries have forced Monte McNair to turn to the available free agents to hopefully turn the tide in their favor. And who do the Kings believe can do that for them? None other than the ex-Celtics star, Jae Crowder.

Shams Charania dropped the surprising news, emphasizing Sacramento’s season so far. “At 8-10 and dealing with some injuries, Kings are working to add frontcourt depth with Jae Crowder, the 13-year NBA veteran who has made two Finals appearances since 2020.”

While the deal has yet to be confirmed, everything seems to be in place to seal it. However, the move has sparked mixed reactions among fans. The Kings, currently sitting in 12th place in the loaded Western Conference, are coming off a disheartening four-game losing streak that has soured hopes of a strong season start.

Some fans have expressed doubt over whether Crowder is the answer to the team’s struggles. One particularly blunt response summed up the skepticism: “Jae Crowder won’t help.“

However, it’s clear the franchise believes the 34-year-old can help. For one, he has played a key part in helping the Heat’s 2020 Finals run and the Suns’ appearance in the playoffs the next season. Furthermore, the 2012 second-round pick has established himself as a versatile forward who can contribute on both ends of the floor.

Crowder’s scoring average of 9.3 points per game may not dominate headlines, but his efficiency—shooting 41.9% from the field and 34.9% from beyond the arc—makes him a dependable option, especially in high-pressure situations. Sacramento is no doubt hoping his veteran experience can help turn the season around.

Aside from injuries derailing their start, the new-look DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis, and De’Aaron Fox have yet to find their groove. Despite it all, fans of the team still do not find this appealing.

Fans give it brutally straight on the ‘Jae Crowder to the Kings’ news

The report has successfully sparked a wave of reactions online. Although the franchise seems optimistic about the veteran forward’s contributions, many fans remain skeptical about the impact he can have on an already struggling team. Take this guy, for example.

Much like our friend above, this fan did not bother to go the diplomatic route. “He won’t fix the issue,” the user wrote. Very straightforward. He has practically echoed the sentiment of many fans frustrated with the lackluster start of the Kings. As such, the individual claims to not see him as the missing piece the team desperately needs.

Another fan voiced their concerns about the Kings’ priorities, stating, “Kings need a consistent rim protector like Robert Williams or Nick Richards, not a 3-and-D wing player.” The frustration is understandable.

Sacramento’s defense has struggled, especially in protecting the paint. Robert Williams, known for his elite shot-blocking and defensive instincts, or Nick Richards, a rising presence with solid rebounding and rim protection, represents the type of player the Kings would need to anchor their defense.

Crowder, while versatile and experienced, is more of a perimeter defender and floor-spacer, leaving the Kings’ glaring interior issues unaddressed. For fans like this one, the team’s focus should be on shoring up their weaknesses in the paint, not adding depth to the wings!

Moving on, the Marquette alum’s longevity in the league also drew some mockery. “Lol, how is he still getting contracts?” commented one user, followed by a laughing-with-tears emoji. While Jae’s playoff pedigree speaks for itself (11 post-season runs in 13 years!), his recent performances haven’t been as consistent. As such, it has led to questions about whether he can still contribute at a high level.

And then there were the harshest critics, keeping it short and biting. “Washed,” wrote this individual. For a few, Crowder’s age and declining stats hugely overshadow any potential benefit he might bring to the Kings’ lineup.

While opinions vary, one thing is certain—the Kings are betting on Crowder’s experience and leadership to provide the spark they desperately need. Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen, but fans are clearly not afraid to voice their doubts.