Point guard Jrue Holiday believes he can coexist in a backcourt pairing with Scoot Henderson. Holiday, who was traded to the Trail Blazers by the Celtics in June, is projected as the starter alongside Shaedon Sharpe with Henderson likely playing a sixth man role.
“Scoot is aggressive,” Holiday said, per Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report (Substack link). “How he gets to the basket is amazing. Me being able to space the floor and shoot the three is something that will help him out. Being able to play off him and knowing that Scoot is the next one up and [helping him] showcase what he can do.”
Holiday doesn’t want to be pigeon-holed as a one-dimensional guard.
“I think I play every position,” he said. “I’ve proven that and shown that throughout my career. I’m a complete basketball player. You can’t put one position on someone, the way the game is changing now. Guys who have never played point guard are coming into the league and playing point guard. I’m a good fit with anyone.”
Holiday’s contract was the main reason for the deal from the Celtics’ perspective. Boston was looking to shed salary in order to escape the punitive second tax apron and Holiday will make $32.4MM next season and $104.4MM in total over the next three years.
Holiday is going from a perennial contender to an organization trying to get back into the playoffs for the first time since 2021. He’s hopeful Portland can take that step next season.
“[I’m coming in] not just help out as much as possible, but try to win,” he said. “They have a great coaching staff that have done a lot, and a Hall of Fame coach in Chauncey (Billups). But I think as a current player who’s been through it not too long ago, as far as going through the struggle to win a championship, I still have that feeling and that itch. I’m closer to what that feeling is and how hard it is to actually win.”
Holiday won a championship with Boston with a big assist from Portland’s front office. The Trail Blazers acquired Holiday from the Bucks two years ago in the Damian Lillard trade before general manager Joe Cronin flipped him to the Celtics. Holiday was grateful that the Blazers made that move and he’s willing to do whatever the organization asks of him.
“I really appreciate what they did for me the first time around. That really does mean a lot for me and my career,” he said.
Where Holiday fits in beyond this season remains to be seen. Lillard re-signed with the Blazers on a three-year deal after being waived by Milwaukee. He’ll spend the upcoming season rehabbing an Achilles tendon tear. Holiday said on Tuesday that he’d actually relish the opportunity to play with Lillard next season if he gets the chance.
Offer Holiday and Grant to Washington for Middleton and McCollum.
Maybe trade Clingan or Hasan and Murray for a young SF and young PF prospects . (Coward was perfect)
Sign a veteran C
Make Jrue the starting center
I would start Henderson and Holiday with Sharpe as sixth man
Jrue ring chasing in Portland next season. I bet no one had that on their bingo card. :)
They could bring back a prime Lillard and they still wouldn’t win a ring next season. Probably won’t even make the playoffs.
It be the yang hansen effect, undoubtedly !!
He’s the transformational chinese Joker
The most important thing here is the praise on how this organization has taken care of Jrue. Cronin, specifically, has focused on team culture and fit, on and off the court, and ensures players are supported. It takes time to build a solid foundation, the last management group made a LOT of short term decisions at the end there at our current team’s detriment. Even if Holiday doesn’t win a championship here, he will be in great position to cash in at another franchise… maybe back to Boston?
I feel bad for jrue… hopefully he gets traded to a contender before the deadline.
Cry a portland river for the multi millionaire w/ 1 ring already
Two*
He has 2 rings. Won one with the Bucks too.
Why?
With that attitude, dude was born to play for Kerr’s Warriors
In the East the Blazers would make the playoffs with their talent. In the West most they can hope for is the play-in (which would be a success).
I can’t imagine Jrue still being on the team when Dame returns but stranger things have happened. Billups has a good feel for player personnel he’ll inform the FO.
They aren’t better than the Pistons or Magic. They would be in the play in as well in the east at best.
Its be hilarious if he dresses up as Shaq and plays center lmao
Holiday won’t last past TD. Contenders will want him and he will want to go. He is a mentor, vet great to have on Blazers. Dame will be there next year. Jrue will be a wanted man ……
I’m also willing to play ANY position for the Blazers including last man at the very far end of the bench and at a a contract considerably less than $104MM.
Contact me immediately.
Can you take charges and shoot (make) the corner 3?