Things are already looking up for former Badger Steven Crowl. The big man went undrafted a season ago but had a rotational role for the Salt Lake City Stars, the G-League of the Utah Jazz. However, it wasn’t enough to earn much more than an NBA Summer League contract with the Detroit Pistons.
In game one, he didn’t play as he had only recently signed. In game two, he saw 8:25 of game action. Yet, he did something that proved he could be trusted to have more minutes. He was the highest +/- of anyone on the bench. His stats weren't that much to write home about, but his presence on the court helped the Pistons immensely, even in eight minutes. So, Wisconsin fans (and probably Pistons fans, too) were curious what would happen in game three with Crowl.
He immediately got more minutes, and the theory that he earned more proved to be true. Detroit rewarded Crowl with more opportunity and 19:08 minutes. Basically, double what he got in his first action. The big man didn't disappoint again and is starting to show that he deserves another G-League opportunity.
Steven Crowl continues to get more and more minutes with the Detroit Pistons in the Summer League
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In those nearly 20 minutes of action, Crowl had five points, six rebounds, and two assists. He even had a made three as he showed he can stretch the floor. The Pistons lost by 11 points, and every single player except for three was in the negative for +/-.Those three were Corey Stephenson, Drake Allen, and Steven Crowl. Once again, Crowl proved he isn't a liability on the floor for the Pistons.
This is a great sign for the former Badger who's trying to prove he deserves a shot in the NBA. It is nowhere near enough after two games to prove he should have an NBA contract, but he's proving he can be a G-League player and a helpful one.
The goal would then be to use the G-League to continue to improve and maybe have a career in which he eventually gets added to an NBA roster, playing rotational minutes and continuing to be a safe option off the bench. Not being a liability...executing valuable minutes.
It may not end up being the Pistons, but the Summer League is a time when other NBA teams are also scouting and paying attention. Crowl could prove to be a player who is worth a shot for another team. However, if he does get a G-League contract, the Motor City Cruise would use his ability to stretch the floor.
If the trajectory of his NBA Summer League opportunity continues, the sky truly may be the limit. The Pistons continue to trust him more and more, and he's outperforming Summer League starter Ugonna Onyenso, who went -15 and had zero points on only 11 minutes of play. Crowl could find himself in the Summer League starting lineup soon.
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