Jrue Holiday’s Addition Could Significantly Impact Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers have made a key move in reshaping their backcourt by acquiring Jrue Holiday for the second time in two years. This time, however, it appears the Blazers intend to keep him around long-term.
Holiday was traded from Milwaukee to Portland ahead of the 2023-24 season, but was quickly sent to Boston. Now, after trading Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks to bring him back, it’s clear that the Blazers have a plan for him to stay and play a pivotal role in their future.
The team, which has already committed to building around young talents like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, needed a seasoned veteran to guide their development. Holiday, a former All-Star and elite defender, fills that gap perfectly.
Portland has made it a priority to strengthen its defense, and adding a player of Holiday’s caliber enhances that goal. The Blazers finished the regular season with one of the best defensive ratings, even topping the league in April. Holiday, known for his defensive prowess, joins a squad that’s focused on becoming a dominant defensive team — much like the Oklahoma City Thunder, who used defense as their foundation to win an NBA title.
If Holiday can have a bounce-back year offensively, the trade will already be considered a success. However, the Blazers might also opt to trade him at the deadline if they feel it better aligns with their long-term vision.
Despite having a solid plan in place, the Blazers face a tough road ahead. The Western Conference is highly competitive, and the Blazers are likely to be fighting for a playoff spot, possibly landing somewhere between the 7th and 8th seed.
This season, Holiday averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.
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