When the Milwaukee Bucks traded for Damian Lillard last summer, they didn't anticipate Jrue Holiday ending up on the Boston Celtics. Fewer than nine months later, the Celtics have added an 18th championship banner to their all-time NBA ledger.
The Transformative Acquisition of Jrue Holiday
Holiday made the Celtics an entirely different team in ways both tangible and intangible. Thriving in a role where he did not have to be a primary scorer or creator, Holiday filled in all the right gaps and elevated Boston's defense to a suffocating level. Indeed, Holiday's presence was a game-changer.
Brad Stevens' tenure with the Celtics has been marked by some incredible trades, with the acquisitions of Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White being considered among his best moves in recent memory. Many argue that acquiring Holiday surpassed even those achievements.
Defensive Excellence
Holiday's defensive prowess was particularly highlighted during the series against the Dallas Mavericks. He was capable of shutting down any opponent, and his consistency throughout the series was remarkable. For Holiday, stopping superstars like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving became routine. Jayson Tatum may have had the standout performance in the clincher with a line of 31-11-8-2, but Holiday's Game 2 performance, where he scored 38 points with zero turnovers, set the tone for the series.
Holiday's defense demoralized opponents to the point where they hesitated to even want the ball in their hands. His lateral movement, flexibility, strength, and anticipation are otherworldly. No wonder Jalen Brunson recently called Holiday the best defender in the league.
Beyond Defense
Holiday's contributions extend beyond defense. He consistently makes smart plays with the ball and cuts to the right spot when needed. His ball-hawk instincts also help secure long offensive rebounds. 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.
On Monday, Holiday scored the first six points for the Celtics, feasting in the dunker's spot all series as Tatum drew the defense's attention. Players like Doncic and Irving were all too happy to fall asleep as Holiday slipped in behind them.
Incentives and Rewards
Holiday earned himself a little more cash with the $1.2 million bonus worked into his contract for winning the championship. He checked off every incentive bonus available to him, totaling an extra $2.8 million in what has truly been a dream season.
Within 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. Holiday's impact on the Celtics has been immeasurable. In the world of professional sports, sometimes a single player can indeed make all the difference.
The Mavericks' chances in the series dwindled as Doncic and Irving found themselves unable to generate consistent offensive leverage against Holiday's stifling defense. Although Jaylen Brown was impressive, it was Holiday who had Doncic and Irving in virtual shackles whenever he was on the floor.
Holiday's heroics on the defensive end were not confined to the Mavericks series alone. His performance throughout the playoffs was stellar, and his ability to render elite players ineffective is a rare skill that has cemented his legacy. His role in leading the Bucks to the 2021 championship against the Suns was a precursor to what he achieved with the Celtics. Once again, it was his defense that made the critical difference, as he effectively shut down Chris Paul.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Holiday stands as the only player in the league to win two championships over the last four years, a testament to his impact on winning teams. His skill set is such that if placed on teams like the Knicks, Sixers, Clippers, or Lakers, a title shot is almost guaranteed. If these teams aren't winning a title with Holiday, they're definitely in the mix.
Quotes from analysts highlight his unparalleled defensive skills. "I'm sure it happened at some point, but I can't recall Holiday getting truly beat one time in this series," stated an NBA analyst. "Against Doncic and Irving? That is an insane thing to say." Brunson echoed this sentiment, saying, "Holiday [is] the best defender in the league."
Jrue Holiday has demonstrated that his contributions to the game are multifaceted and invaluable. As his career progresses, his influence on the court will continue to shape the outcomes of NBA seasons and inspire future generations of players who aspire to impact the game on both ends of the floor.