How Jrue Holiday and the Celtics are learning to play through one another

The Boston Celtics made a significant investment in Jrue Holiday, giving up valuable draft picks and players like Robert Williams and Malcolm Brogdon. While it may not have been the typical package required to acquire an All-Star player in his prime, Holiday’s value, role, and track record justify the Celtics’ decision. But what can we expect from him? How will he maximize his role in Boston? These questions have been difficult to answer so far, as Holiday has struggled with rustiness. However, glimpses of his potential as a Celtic are starting to emerge.

After the Celtics’ recent win over the Miami Heat, assistant coach Joe Mazzulla noted that Holiday looked more comfortable on the court than he did in the previous game. The team is still in the process of figuring each other out, but the focus remains on maximizing the abilities of every player.

One thing that sets Holiday apart is his unique momentum and movement on the court. He glides forward effortlessly and can stop suddenly to pull up for a shot or change the flow of the game. While his backcourt partner, Derrick White, also exhibits similar skills, Holiday has a distinct ability to shift direction and execute plays that White struggles to replicate. One example of this adaptability is seen in how Holiday caught a high pass from Jayson Tatum in the Miami game without bringing the ball down before shooting. This level of skill and precision is reminiscent of players like Klay Thompson, who can execute such moves with accuracy and finesse.

While Holiday’s impact in the half-court offense will be crucial, he is also showing glimpses of how he can contribute to Boston’s transition offense, which is a focus for Mazzulla. An example of this can be seen in a play where Jaylen Brown runs to the rim to draw his defender away and then pops out to the 3-point line, creating space for Holiday to drive into the paint. Although there was some timing inefficiency in this particular play, Holiday’s ability to attract attention opens up opportunities for his teammates.

Holiday is also learning to make an impact off the ball. In previous years, Boston relied heavily on Tatum and Brown as finishers in transition plays. However, Holiday’s presence provides the team with more options. By pushing the ball through the paint in transition, the Celtics can create lanes for Holiday to attack. This principle has been emphasized by the coaching staff, as they aim to generate more paint touches and create confusion for the opposing defense. The goal is to keep the offense flowing and take advantage of cross-matches, rather than fixating on attacking individual defenders.

Furthermore, Holiday’s ability to make early reads and find favorable matchups on the move is impressive. He displayed this during a crunchtime play against the Miami Heat, where he grabbed a rebound and quickly passed the ball to Tatum. Recognizing a two-on-one advantage on the weak side, Holiday pushed the ball up the court, forcing the Heat’s defense to make difficult decisions. These types of plays demonstrate Holiday’s potential as a playmaker who can create opportunities for his teammates.

While Holiday still has much to learn about the rhythm of the team, the Celtics’ early success, despite challenges like opposing teams shooting well from beyond the arc, speaks to their potential. While Kristaps Porziņģis was brought in to elevate the team’s offensive abilities, Holiday sets the baseline, and in time, he will further elevate it.

Overall, the Celtics’ acquisition of Jrue Holiday brings excitement and potential to the team. As he continues to adjust to his new role, and his teammates become accustomed to his style, the Celtics have the opportunity to maximize the talents of their star players and achieve success.

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Emily Turner

Emily Turner is your source for everything NBA. As a dedicated basketball enthusiast, she offers insights into NBA games, player highlights, trade rumors, and the league’s evolving dynamics. Emily’s love for the sport shines through in her comprehensive NBA coverage.