Jrue Holiday's arrival at the Boston Celtics has injected a fresh wave of excitement and optimism in an already jubilant fan base. At 34 years old, Holiday, with his seasoned experience and laundry list of accolades, promises to be a keystone player for the defending champions as they embark on the 2024-25 NBA season.
A Wealth of Experience
Holiday's career spans 15 stellar seasons in the NBA, a journey that has seen him earn multiple All-Star nods and a reputation as one of the league's premier perimeter defenders. Notably, he previously clinched an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021. Reflecting on his accolades, Holiday said, "It's cool, 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."
But perhaps one of the most telling aspects of Holiday's impact is not just his physical prowess but his mental approach to the game. "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," he emphasized. "The role players are just as important, and they're kind of what makes this engine go."
Path To Success
Holiday's relationship with Thorne Supplements, a partnership spanning seven years, has been instrumental in managing his longevity and fitness. "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 said. Despite undergoing four or five surgeries throughout his career, Holiday's commitment to his health regime has been unwavering. "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," he remarked.
As a young player, Holiday admits to a less disciplined approach to nutrition and fitness. "I used to eat terribly... At 19 or 20 or 21 you can do anything you want and bounce back the next day," he reflected. "So I've definitely grown and matured in that way."
Integration into the Celtics
Holiday's integration into the Celtics' fold wasn't instant. He arrived at the team's training camp later than expected due to clearance issues. "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," Holiday shared. The camaraderie and chemistry within the team have been pivotal, with Holiday recognizing the diverse talents of his teammates. "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."
Mentality and Leadership
Boston’s Head Coach Joe Mazzulla also comes in for praise from Holiday. "He loves being the one doubted. He loves being the underdog. And he loves the fight," Holiday said, highlighting the coach’s resilient mentality. Additionally, Holiday has learned to navigate the pressures of basketball through a balanced approach. "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," he stated.
Driven by Success
The allure of winning another championship drives Holiday, who fondly recalls the emotions tied to their victory. "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 recounted.
As the Celtics take to the court this season, Holiday's amalgamation of skill, leadership, and experience will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their pursuit of back-to-back championships. With a roster that balances superstardom and role-player grit, the Celtics appear well-positioned to defend their title.