At 34 years old, Jrue Holiday has made a triumphant addition to the Boston Celtics, bringing with him a wealth of experience, numerous accolades, and a defensive prowess that is second to none. Entering the 2024-25 NBA season as the defending champions, the Celtics look to build upon their success, and Holiday's arrival is set to bolster their chances even further.
An Experienced Veteran
Holiday, known as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, has played 15 seasons in the NBA. Throughout his celebrated career, he has earned multiple All-Star nods and was a crucial part of the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2021 NBA championship win. His defensive abilities and experience provide a significant advantage to the Celtics’ roster.
Beyond his NBA success, Holiday's international achievements are equally impressive. He has earned two Olympic gold medals with the USA Basketball team, first in Tokyo and then in Paris. Reflecting on his career, Holiday remarked, "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."
A Champion's Mentality
Holiday’s sentiments echo his deep understanding of what it takes to win at the highest level. He emphasized the importance of team chemistry over just having the best players, stating, "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."
This mentality has been a cornerstone of Holiday’s career, guiding him through various challenges, including multiple surgeries. He attributes his longevity in part to his partnership with Thorne Supplements, which has lasted seven years. "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," he noted. His dedication to maintaining peak physical condition has been pivotal, especially considering his extensive injury history. "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," Holiday added.
Transition to the Celtics
Holiday's transition to the Celtics wasn't without its challenges. He arrived late to the training camp, a fact he openly discussed, "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."
As he integrates into the team, Holiday has embraced the supportive environment within the Celtics’ locker room, "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."
Admiration for Coach Mazzulla
Holiday also spoke highly of Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, appreciating his underdog spirit, "He loves being the one doubted. He loves being the underdog. And he loves the fight." This aligns well with Holiday's own resilient attitude and commitment to the game. "It's a mentality. I do think some of it is being able to step away from basketball a little bit if that's what you need," Holiday expressed, highlighting the importance of mental rest alongside physical recovery.
As the Celtics embark on a new season with Holiday in their ranks, his vast experience and championship mentality will undoubtedly play a crucial role. From his defensive skills to his leadership and resilience, Jrue Holiday's contribution might be the key ingredient the team needs to defend their title and perhaps add another championship to their storied history.