At 34 years old, Jrue Holiday continues to add to his storied NBA career, now bringing his talents and wealth of experience to the Boston Celtics. The defending champions of the 2024-25 NBA season, the Celtics look to build on their recent success, and Holiday's arrival is expected to provide a significant boost.
Holiday’s Impact on the Court
Known as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, Holiday has been a cornerstone player throughout his 15-season tenure in the NBA. Having earned multiple All-Star nods, he previously won an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 and secured two Olympic gold medals with the USA Basketball team, first in Tokyo and later in Paris.
Holiday's defensive prowess and leadership are matched by his resilience and determination, qualities emphasized by his seven-year partnership with Thorne Supplements. "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 shared. Over his career, he has undergone four or five surgeries, yet you wouldn't be able to tell because of his meticulous care for his body. "I'm sure no one would even be able to tell because of how well I take care of my body," he noted.
Adapting to the Celtics
Joining the Celtics wasn't without its challenges. Holiday arrived late to the team's training camp as he awaited clearance. "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 said. Under the guidance of Coach Joe Mazzulla, Boston's roster is filled with talent, boasting players like Derrick White and Kristaps Porzingis. Holiday's adjustment period was eased by the supportive environment. "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 added.
Holiday acknowledges the depth and chemistry that often define championship teams. "Sometimes it's not always about having the best players. Sometimes it is about chemistry, and luckily for us, we had both," he explained. Considering the importance of role players, he emphasized, "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."
Legacy and Aspirations
Reflecting on his career and aspirations with the Celtics, Holiday draws parallels between his championship experiences with the Bucks and his goals in Boston. "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 remarked.
The opportunity to win another championship, especially in a city with as rich a basketball history as Boston, holds significant meaning for Holiday. "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 expressed.
Continued Growth and Professionalism
Off the court, Holiday has also matured, particularly in his approach to nutrition and wellness. "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 admitted. This evolution is part of what has sustained his performance at such a high level in the league.
Coach Joe Mazzulla, known for his resilience and strategic mindset, appreciates the depth Holiday brings. Describing Mazzulla's attitude, Holiday said, "He loves being the one doubted. He loves being the underdog. And he loves the fight." Such alignment in mentality between coach and player is anticipated to enhance the Celtics' chances at another title run.
"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 pointed out, underscoring the importance of balance in maintaining peak performance.
As the new NBA season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Celtics, and Jrue Holiday's contributions will be pivotal in their quest to defend their title. His journey with Boston is just beginning, but the veteran guard is more than prepared to leave his mark.