At 34 years old, Jrue Holiday continues to be an indomitable force in the NBA, bringing a wealth of experience and accolades to the Boston Celtics. With 15 seasons in the league under his belt, Holiday's journey is punctuated with significant achievements, including multiple All-Star selections and an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021. As the Celtics entered the 2024-25 NBA season as the defending champions, Holiday's arrival is viewed as a strategic asset, especially given his prowess as one of the league's best perimeter defenders.
Reflecting on his career highlights, Holiday noted, "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." His enthusiasm in joining a storied franchise like the Celtics elucidates his understanding of the historical legacy and the unique opportunity it represents. "It's cool, I think the Bucks one was like 50 years or something, just insane," he added. "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."
Holiday's basketball philosophy underscores his team-first mentality. "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 shared. This perspective is crucial for a Celtics team that boasts a mix of star power and depth. "Sometimes it's not always about having the best players. Sometimes it is about chemistry, and luckily for us, we had both."
Holiday's commitment to maintaining his physical condition is equally legendary. "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," he remarked. A seven-year partnership with Thorne Supplements has been instrumental in his longevity. "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." Reflecting on his younger years, he acknowledged, "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." These comments highlight not just his resilience but also his evolution as a professional athlete.
His integration into the Celtics lineup was not without its challenges. Holiday arrived late to the team's training camp, saying, "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." Yet, he is not daunted, knowing that each teammate brings something essential to the court. "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."
The supportive environment fostered by Coach Joe Mazzulla plays a crucial role in the team's dynamic. "He loves being the one doubted. He loves being the underdog. And he loves the fight," Holiday shared about Mazzulla. This fighting spirit is mirrored in Holiday's own mentality, as he believes in balancing the intense demands of professional basketball. "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."
As Holiday adjusts to life with the Boston Celtics, the combination of his defensive skills, championship experience, and seasoned perspective makes him a pivotal addition to a team looking to sustain its championship pedigree. For Holiday, playing in Boston is not just another chapter in his illustrious career but an opportunity to further cement his legacy in one of the NBA's most storied franchises.