When the Milwaukee Bucks traded for Damian Lillard last summer, they didn't anticipate Jrue Holiday ending up on the Boston Celtics. Fast forward fewer than nine months, and the Celtics have added an 18th championship banner to their all-time NBA ledger. Holiday's impact on the team has been immeasurable, making the Celtics an entirely different team in both tangible and intangible ways.
Holiday Thrives in Boston
In Boston, Holiday excelled in a role where he didn’t have to be the primary scorer or creator. Instead, he filled in all the right gaps, elevating Boston's defense to a suffocating level. Brad Stevens' tenure with the Celtics has been marked by some incredible trades, with the acquisition of players like Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White often highlighted as top moves. However, many argue that landing Holiday surpassed even those achievements.
Holiday's defensive prowess particularly shone during the series against the Dallas Mavericks. Facing a formidable duo in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Holiday's defensive capabilities were on full display. His ability to shut down opponents was crucial, effectively rendering Doncic and Irving unable to generate consistent offensive leverage.
A Series-Defining Performance
In the Finals, Holiday was Boston's most valuable player. Until Jayson Tatum's stellar performance in the clincher, Holiday's Game 2 effort was the standout showing of the series. Remarkably, Holiday became the first player since Michael Jordan in 1998 to score at least 38 points with zero turnovers through the first two games of a Finals. Holiday's consistency throughout the series was nothing short of remarkable, showcasing his value to the team.
Not only did Holiday lock down Doncic and Irving, but he also made crucial contributions on the offensive end. He wrapped up the playoffs with impressive 50-40-95 shooting splits, and in the Finals, he averaged just under 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists on 53/42/100 shooting splits. Holiday's ability to make smart plays with the ball or cut to the right spot was a significant factor in Boston's success.
A Champion's Impact Beyond the Numbers
If you sign Jrue Holiday, a title shot is almost guaranteed to follow. His track record speaks for itself; he is the only player in the league to win two championships over the last four years. Holiday played a crucial role in leading the Bucks to the 2021 championship against the Suns, where he rendered Chris Paul ineffective. Now, he has played a similarly vital role for the Celtics.
Holiday's lateral movement, flexibility, strength, and anticipation are second to none, characteristics that have led many to call him the best defender in the league. Jalen Brunson recently echoed this sentiment, stating, "Holiday [is] the best defender in the league." His ball-hawk instincts help secure long offensive rebounds and demoralize opponents to the point where they hesitate to even want the ball in their hands.
A Dream Season Realized
Holiday's contributions extend beyond defense. He consistently made smart plays with the ball and was pivotal in securing long offensive rebounds. His ball-hawk instincts were crucial in various high-pressure situations throughout the playoffs.
Holiday’s dream season culminated in Monday's clincher, where he scored the first six points for the Celtics and earned himself a $1.2 million bonus for winning the championship. Coupled with other incentive bonuses, he totaled an extra $2.8 million in earnings. In less than a year, Holiday went from discovering he had been traded from the Bucks upon waking from a nap to winning the second championship of what is becoming a Hall of Fame career.
His impact on the Celtics has been nothing short of transformative. In the world of professional sports, sometimes a single player can indeed make all the difference, and Jrue Holiday has proven to be that player for the Boston Celtics.
What the Future Holds
As the Celtics celebrate their 18th championship banner, the future looks bright with Holiday in their ranks. Whether defensively shutting down top opponents or making clutch offensive plays, his skills and leadership are invaluable. If Holiday continues to perform at this level, Boston's dominance in the NBA might just be beginning.
In summation, Holiday’s tenure with the Celtics has been a testament to the fact that the right player can elevate a team to new heights. His tangible and intangible contributions have not only earned him personal accolades but have also brought Boston another championship, further cementing his legacy in the NBA.