Jrue Holiday: The Celtics' Experienced New Asset Aims to Add More Glory to Boston
The Boston Celtics are looking to make waves once again in the 2024-25 NBA season with the addition of seasoned guard Jrue Holiday. At 34 years old, Holiday joins the reigning champions, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a decorated resume that promises to bolster their championship-defending campaign.
Holiday is no stranger to success on the biggest stages. Known as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, he has earned multiple All-Star nods in his 15 seasons in the NBA. Notably, Holiday won an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, breaking a 50-year title drought for the franchise. Reflecting on his time with the Bucks, Holiday remarked, "It's cool, I think the Bucks one was like 50 years or something, just insane. But I will say there is a bit of a difference in legacy when it comes to Milwaukee and Boston. So being able to do it [in Boston] and experience that was crazy."
Holiday's championship pedigree extends beyond the NBA. He has earned two Olympic gold medals with the USA Basketball team—first in Tokyo and then in Paris—highlighting his capability to perform under immense pressure on an international stage. His detailed attention to maintaining his health through a long-standing partnership with Thorne Supplements has been instrumental in his longevity. "I don't think people understand how much Thorne has helped me just to stay on the court, to recover from injuries, to recover after a long game," Holiday stated. His dedication is evident, having undergone four or five surgeries throughout his career and bouncing back stronger each time. "I think I've had four or five surgeries since then, and I'm sure no one would even be able to tell because of how well I take care of my body," he added.
Holiday's late arrival to the Celtics' training camp due to clearance issues initially set him back, but with support from his teammates, he quickly found his footing. "I came to Boston and I think I missed the first day of training camp because I wasn't cleared yet. So it took me a little while, but my teammates did help me build my confidence," he explained.
A Champion's Mentality
Holiday's approach to the game is grounded in humility and an unwavering focus on the ultimate goal—winning. "You have to be able to sacrifice, and you have to be able to look at the ultimate goal. It's not always about being a superstar. The role players are just as important, and they're kind of what makes this engine go," he said. This ethos aligns well with the Celtics' culture, where team chemistry is highly valued. "Sometimes it's not always about having the best players. Sometimes it is about chemistry, and luckily for us, we had both," Holiday noted.
Holiday also recognizes the importance of adapting to different roles depending on the game's dynamics. "Every game is going to be different. Like [Derrick] White might be going crazy in this game, or [Kristaps Porzingis] might be going crazy this game. So it makes it easy knowing that you could have a great game and your teammates support you," he emphasized.
Leadership and Coaching
Being coached by Joe Mazzulla, a figure whom Holiday respects immensely, adds another layer to his integration into the team. "He loves being the one doubted. He loves being the underdog. And he loves the fight," Holiday said of Mazzulla. This shared mentality between player and coach promises to fortify the Celtics' resolve as they embark on their title defense.
Holiday's time with the Celtics offers an opportunity not just to add another championship ring to his collection but also to cement his legacy in a city with a storied basketball history. Reflecting on what winning a championship in Boston meant to him, he said, "I'd have to say the championship, for a couple of reasons. One would be as a little kid, I feel like this is what you dreamed about. Like, winning the NBA championship... and then doing it for the city [of Boston], and it being since 2008 and just seeing, like, how the city backs you and the support that you get, it was amazing."
As the Celtics gear up for another thrilling season, Jrue Holiday stands ready to play a pivotal role. With a combination of elite defense, championship experience, and unwavering dedication to his craft, Holiday embodies the competitive spirit that has made Boston one of the most revered franchises in NBA history.