As the Boston Celtics embark on the 2024-25 NBA season, they do so with the weight of defending champions and the addition of a seasoned veteran, Jrue Holiday. At 34 years old, Holiday brings a wealth of experience and a litany of accolades that have shaped his storied career.
Experience and Accolades
Holiday's resume is as robust as they come in the NBA. Playing 15 seasons, he has garnered multiple All-Star nods and is widely regarded as one of the league's premier perimeter defenders. His defensive prowess and ability to make crucial plays have been integral to the teams he's been a part of, including the Milwaukee Bucks, with whom he clinched an NBA championship in 2021. Beyond the NBA, Holiday has also achieved international success, earning two Olympic gold medals with the USA Basketball team in Tokyo and Paris.
Transition to Boston
Joining the Celtics, coached by Joe Mazzulla, represents a new chapter for Holiday. Reflecting on his arrival to the team, he noted that he missed the first day of training camp due to not being cleared. Despite the delayed start, he quickly adapted, crediting his teammates for helping him build his confidence. "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 explained.
Championship Dreams
Winning an NBA championship is a dream that Holiday has long cherished, a sentiment he recently echoed when discussing his aspirations with the Celtics. "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," he shared.
Comparing his experience winning in Milwaukee to the atmosphere in Boston, Holiday remarked, "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."
Sacrifice and Team Chemistry
Holiday understands the nuances of team dynamics, emphasizing the importance of chemistry and the roles played by every team member. "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 expressed. He further elaborated on the significance of chemistry by stating, "Sometimes it's not always about having the best players. Sometimes it is about chemistry, and luckily for us, we had both."
Sustaining Excellence
Part of what has sustained Holiday through his long career is his dedication to fitness and recovery, an area where his partnership with Thorne Supplements has played a crucial role. "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. Addressing his injury history, Holiday disclosed, "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."
His evolution as a professional extends beyond physical recovery to lifestyle changes as well. "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," he admitted, underscoring the importance of maturity in maintaining a high level of play in the NBA.
The Season Ahead
As the Celtics gear up for what promises to be a challenging season, Holiday's insights on balance and readiness will be invaluable. "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 noted, advocating for a holistic approach to the grueling demands of professional basketball. Moreover, he appreciates the unpredictability and support within the team, saying, "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."
Holiday also holds Coach Joe Mazzulla in high regard, noting his resilience and underdog spirit. "He loves being the one doubted. He loves being the underdog. And he loves the fight," Holiday remarked, highlighting the coach's motivational influence on the team.
With expectations high and a veteran like Jrue Holiday on their side, the Celtics are well-positioned to defend their championship title. Holiday’s experience and perspective will likely be a cornerstone of Boston's quest for continued success.