Former Bruin Jrue Holiday playing the veteran role well on young Blazers team

Jrue Holiday was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers this past offseason. A deal which saw Anfernee Simons go to the Boston Celtics. The Celtics were looking to make moves to reduce their salary and their luxury tax hit. Especially with them expecting Jayson Tatum to miss most if not all of this season. They felt it was best to do to try and save some money before competing again. There were reports that Holiday was not happy and had no interest in going to the Blazers.

Holiday ultimately showed up and has been a big part of the Blazers trying to make the playoffs this season in the West. He is still a very good player and one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA over the last 10 years. Often getting the biggest matchups on the floor and being able to affect games single-handedly. He is so good and so smart on the defensive end. Cc it has led to him being a three time All-Defensive First Team member.

Holiday has also gotten many Defensive Player of the Year votes over the course of his career. Giving teams a guy they know they can put on an island, and he will be just fine. No matter who he is up against to guard. Holiday preaches defense all the way back to his one year at UCLA before going to the NBA. The two-time NBA champion provides valuable experience to a young Blazers team. Being a mentor for guys as they have been surrounded by a lot of controversy this season.

Holiday has been playing very good offense as of late as well. Averaging 20.2 points per game over his last seven games while shooting 54% from the floor. A much-needed boost for their offense while still providing his elite defensive play. We love seeing former Bruins succeeding in the NBA. Along with Peyton Watson, it is exciting to see what Bruins back court members are accomplishing.