As the Boston Celtics prepare to defend their NBA championship in the 2024-25 season, they have added a seasoned veteran to their roster in Jrue Holiday. At 34 years old, Holiday brings not only a wealth of experience, but also an extensive list of accolades that significantly bolster the team's prospects.
An Experienced Veteran
Holiday is recognized as one of the league's premier perimeter defenders, making him a valuable asset for the Celtics. With 15 NBA seasons under his belt, he has accumulated multiple All-Star nods and won an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021. "It's cool, I think the Bucks one was like 50 years or something, just insane," said Holiday. "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 arrival in Boston was slightly delayed as he awaited clearance, causing him to miss the first day of training camp. "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 shared. His transition into the team seems to have been smooth, thanks in part to the supportive environment fostered by head coach Joe Mazzulla.
Team Chemistry and Sacrifice
One of the critical factors behind the Celtics’ recent success has been their strong team chemistry. Holiday highlighted this aspect, saying, "Sometimes it's not always about having the best players. Sometimes it is about chemistry, and luckily for us, we had both." He also emphasized the importance of role players in achieving their goals: "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."
Holiday's comments underline the Celtics' balanced yet star-studded roster, featuring talents like Derrick White and Kristaps Porzingis. “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 said.
Commitment to Health and Fitness
Throughout his career, Holiday has not only faced intense competition on the court but has also undergone multiple surgeries – four or five, to be exact. He credits his longstanding partnership with Thorne Supplements for helping him stay in optimal shape. "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 said. This dedication to his health is evident in his performance and longevity in the league.
Reflecting on his early years in the NBA, Holiday acknowledged the changes he has made to sustain his career. "I used to eat terribly... At 19 or 20 or 21 you can do anything you want and bounce back the next day... So I've definitely grown and matured in that way," he remarked. His focus on fitness and nutrition has allowed him to maintain a high level of play even in his mid-thirties.
Champion Mindset
Holiday's championship experience with both the Bucks and the Celtics, coupled with two Olympic gold medals, underscores his understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of the sport. "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," said Holiday.
Coach Joe Mazzulla, known for his gritty determination, resonates well with Holiday. Describing Mazzulla, Holiday said, "He loves being the one doubted. He loves being the underdog. And he loves the fight." This mentality mirrors the ethos required to sustain success in the NBA and serves as an inspiration to the entire team.
As the Celtics embark on another championship quest, Jrue Holiday's extensive experience, tenacious defense, and commitment to his craft promise to be invaluable assets. While individual performances will vary from game to game, Holiday's presence provides a stabilizing force that could propel the Celtics to yet another triumphant season.