As the Boston Celtics embark on their 2024-25 NBA season, they do so with the renewed energy and defensive prowess of Jrue Holiday. At 34 years old, Holiday brings a wealth of experience and accolades to the Celtics, including his reputation as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league.
Seasoned Veteran
Holiday's storied career spans 15 seasons in the NBA, highlighting his durability and skill. Over the years, he has earned multiple All-Star nods and played a pivotal role in securing an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021. Adding to his illustrious resume, Holiday has also earned two Olympic gold medals with the USA Basketball team, first in Tokyo and then in Paris.
Reflecting on his achievements, Holiday emphasizes the significance of championships. "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," he shares.
Adapting and Excelling
Holiday's journey has not been without its challenges. He has endured four or five surgeries throughout his career but has consistently bounced back, crediting his partnership with Thorne Supplements for his resilience. "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 reveals. "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."
His commitment to health and fitness marks a significant shift from his early years in the league. "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," says Holiday.
Team Dynamics
Joining the Celtics, Holiday had to adapt quickly. He arrived late to the team's training camp due to clearance issues. "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," Holiday explains. Despite this setback, he's seamlessly integrated into the team's dynamic.
Holiday is acutely aware of the importance of team chemistry. "Sometimes it's not always about having the best players. Sometimes it is about chemistry, and luckily for us, we had both," he notes. This perspective echoes in his views on the roles within a team. "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," he asserts.
Celtics As the Defending Champions
The Celtics enter this season as the defending champions, a title that carries its own set of pressures and expectations. For Holiday, the experience of winning in Boston compares uniquely to his championship journey with the Bucks. "It's cool, I think the Bucks one was like 50 years or something, just insane. 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," he describes.
As Holiday and the Celtics aim to defend their title, the leadership of Coach Joe Mazzulla plays a critical role. Holiday's respect for Mazzulla is evident. "He loves being the one doubted. He loves being the underdog. And he loves the fight," Holiday comments.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming season promises to be exciting for Celtics fans. Holiday's versatility and veteran presence will undoubtedly bolster a team already brimming with talent. "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," Holiday observes. This mentality and the depth of the Celtics' roster could be the keys to their continued success.
Holiday's blend of experience, skill, and perspective makes him a valuable asset to any team. As he continues his NBA journey with the Boston Celtics, fans can anticipate witnessing the impact of a player who not only dreams of championships but knows what it takes to achieve them.