Bruins in NBA Jrue Holiday looks to help the Trail Blazers

Jrue Holiday was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers this offseason in a cost cutting move by the Boston Celtics. It wasn’t a testament to what Holiday can still provide, but more of what the Celtics want to accomplish. The luxury tax is cracking down more on NBA teams. With Jayson Tatum out for the season with an Achilles tear. Celtics are not seen as contenders and cannot justify paying that luxury tax.

Holiday arrives in Portland with a career that has many accolades. He is a two-time NBA champion, six-time all-defensive team and a two time all-star. He was a key piece that guarded the best players in the NBA Finals for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 and Boston Celtics in 2024. Simply put the former Bruin can defend with the best guards in basketball.

He has finished top eight in the Defensive Player of the Year award five times in his career. Holiday uses his feet and hips well to keep offensive players in front of him and is sneaky when he has a disadvantage on size. Using his strength well and instincts to be able to win matchups regardless of size.

Holiday spent one season with the UCLA Bruins in the 2008-09 season. His stats were not overwhelming averaging just 8.5 points per game. But he was NBA ready for the jump and used his college season as a gap year as players need to spend one season in college. This goes to show as he is now 17 years into an NBA career.

He will look to provide a veteran presence for the Trail Blazers. A team that is looking to be a borderline playoff contender. They can use as many veterans as possible. Holiday is a great team guy and has the opportunity to have a great season with them.