In a candid interview with Brian Scalabrine during the pre-parade celebrations, Jrue Holiday reflected on his journey from facing off against the Boston Celtics to becoming a pivotal player in their lineup.
Jrue Holiday acknowledged the intimidating aura of Celtics fans from his days in opposing jerseys. Their fervor often created a confrontational atmosphere, making games against the Celtics memorable, if not challenging. However, since joining the Celtics, Holiday has found solace in their unwavering support and passion.
“It can be intense out there. The fans, they’re passionate, they yell, they’re always ready to fight. But now that I’m on this side, I appreciate it,” Holiday remarked, reminiscing about his time as a Milwaukee Buck and the atmosphere at TD Garden.
Reflecting on his initial nerves upon joining the Celtics, Holiday admitted:
“I was a bit apprehensive at first. I might have done a few things back then that didn’t sit well with the Celtics. But when that call came, it was pure joy and excitement. I knew we had something special.”
"I'm glad I'm on this side now"
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) June 21, 2024
Jrue Holiday talks about getting traded to Boston 🍀 pic.twitter.com/fGo8cvEWlS
His journey to the Celtics was a result of strategic trades, initially involving a move to the Portland Trail Blazers before the Celtics swiftly acquired him, recognizing his defensive prowess and overall impact on the court.
Throughout the Celtics’ championship campaign, Holiday proved indispensable as their top perimeter defender, contributing significantly to their defensive strategies. His season statistics boasted averages of 12.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, with impressive shooting percentages from the field and beyond the arc.
Acknowledging his defensive acumen, Holiday earned a spot on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, marking his sixth career defensive accolade and his third selection to the second team.
The Celtics’ commitment to Holiday’s future was solidified with a lucrative four-year, $135 million extension just before the playoffs commenced, cementing his status as a cornerstone player for the franchise.
Holiday’s seamless integration into the Celtics’ lineup played a pivotal role in their journey to the championship. His ability to blend his skills with the team’s dynamic, coupled with the fervent support of Celtics fans, underscored his transformative impact on their success.
As Holiday celebrated alongside his teammates, his transition from a formidable opponent to a cherished teammate epitomized the unity and strength within the Celtics’ championship squad.
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