When the Milwaukee Bucks traded for Damian Lillard last summer, they didn't anticipate that Jrue Holiday would end up on the Boston Celtics. But fewer than nine months later, the Celtics have added an 18th championship banner to their all-time NBA ledger, with Holiday playing a pivotal role in that achievement.
An Unanticipated Journey
Holiday's arrival in Boston transformed the team in ways both tangible and intangible. He thrived in a role where he did not have to be the primary scorer or creator, filling in all the right gaps and elevating Boston's defense to a suffocating level. This adaptation was essential in making Brad Stevens' tenure with the Celtics more successful, adding yet another incredible trade to his record. Although landing Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White were already considered major accomplishments, many argue that acquiring Holiday surpassed even those achievements.
Impact on Defense
Holiday's defensive prowess was particularly highlighted during the series against the Dallas Mavericks. He was Boston's most valuable player in that series, capable of shutting down any opponent. His ability to render star players ineffective came to the forefront, especially Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, who found themselves unable to generate consistent offensive leverage. Holiday's consistency throughout the series was remarkable, making him an invaluable asset to the team.
Holiday's Game 2 performance was a standout single-game showing, until Jayson Tatum put up a line of 31-11-8-2 in the clincher on Monday. You would have to go back to Michael Jordan in 1998 to find another player who scored at least 38 points with zero turnovers through the first two games of a Finals, as Holiday did against Dallas. His defense was so demoralizing to opponents that they hesitated to even want the ball in their hands. Jalen Brunson recently called Holiday the best defender in the league, and his lateral movement, flexibility, strength, and anticipation justify that claim.
Beyond Defense
However, Holiday's contributions extend beyond defense. He consistently makes smart plays with the ball or cuts to the right spot, demonstrating his ability to secure long offensive rebounds with his ball-hawk instincts. In the Finals, Holiday averaged just under 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists on 53/42/100 shooting splits. This impressive performance helped him wrap up the playoffs with 50-40-95 shooting splits, a remarkable feat for any player.
Holiday scored the first six points for the Celtics on Monday, feasting in the dunker's spot all series as Tatum drew the defense's attention. Doncic and Irving were all too happy to fall asleep as Holiday slipped in behind them. He earned himself a little more cash with the $1.2 million bonus worked into his contract for winning the championship, checking off every incentive bonus available to him, totaling an extra $2.8 million. This capped off what has truly been a dream season for Holiday.
A Hall of Fame Career
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 immeasurable, underscoring the notion that in the world of professional sports, sometimes a single player can indeed make all the difference.
As one NBA analyst stated, "I'm sure it happened at some point, but I can't recall Holiday getting truly beat one time in this series. Against Doncic and Irving? That is an insane thing to say." Such high praise confirms the exceptional nature of Holiday's defensive capabilities and his overall contribution to the Celtics' championship run.
With two championships over the last four years, Jrue Holiday has cemented his status as a pivotal player in the league. His role in leading the Bucks to the 2021 championship against the Suns, where he rendered Chris Paul ineffective, and now his significant impact on the Celtics underscore his invaluable presence on any team. If you sign Holiday, a title shot is almost guaranteed to follow. His resilience, athleticism, and game intelligence make him one of the most impactful players in the NBA today.
Undoubtedly, Holiday's journey has been an extraordinary one, proving that a single player's influence can indeed change the course of history for a team. As the Boston Celtics celebrate their 18th championship, they have Jrue Holiday to thank for making it all possible.