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Jrue Holiday, Who Ditched Pelicans to Chase 1st Ring, Rekindles His Love After Honest Bucks Trade Revelation

Published 03/30/2024, 9:18 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

In their second stint against the New Orleans Pelicans this year, the Boston Celtics almost saw their pristine record depleting. Behind Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum, the Pelicans started dominant, nulling the efforts of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday on the defense. Together, New Orleans garnered a 10-point fastbreak advantage, posting a 37-28 first quarter. However, the Celtics soon calibrated to their top standard.

As Porzingis and Jrue helped align the defense, all the starters scored to end the game with double-digit figures. Moreover, the game gave Jrue his second win against his former team, whom he left for the Milwaukee Bucks. Post-game, with his Pelicans stint in mind, Holiday was asked whether his visit to the Big Easy has ever felt “weird“.

Right away, Jrue Holiday, who learned about his Bucks trade minutes before the exchange, said, “Nah, it doesn’t feel weird. It feels like home,” right away. Moreover, addressing the people and spots in the city, he continued, “Lot of people that I love, lot of people I love to see. Lot of good food spots that I try to go to.” With that, Jrue wrapped up by saying, “It’s always good to come back.”

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Currently in his 15th NBA season, Holiday spent major time residing with the Pelicans. Inducted within the franchise during the 2013-14 season, he soon became a major piece in their system. His 7 years with the Pelicans also made his one of the rare transitional elements through their switch from Anthony Davis to Zion Williamson.

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The Pelicans is where it all started for Jrue Holiday

Holiday is known for his ability to make things tough for opposing guards. With that, his 2021 playoff stint with the Milwaukee Bucks stands out the most. The guard elevated his role on the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led squad, all with efficient production on both ends of the floor. Jrue, in hopes of his first championship, was locking up the best scorers and making game-winning buckets at the same time.

However, Jrue’s loud confidence and surge were only possible due to his silent years with the Pelicans. While being the ultimate leader of the franchise, Jrue harbored the intricacy of playing alongside potential superstars. Throughout over 400 games, Jrue averaged 17.6 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.2 rebounds for the Pelicans.

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Jrue constantly the necessary bits on the offensive and defensive end, often being overshadowed by the stars around him for a much lesser display. However, Holiday, just like a true defender, did not demand attention from the masses. Soon, as he made a switch from a team constantly playing for their offseason chances, to a team with a clear lane to the playoffs (Bucks), Jrue unlocked another layer to his craft; ultimately forcing the best team in the league (Celtics) to lure him in.

Jrue Holiday Reveals Excruciating Details Of Bucks’ Heartbreaking Trade At The Draymond Green Show

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Written by:

Saahil Dhillan

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Saahil Dhillan is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports who discovered his basketball passion through the dynamic between Miami's LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Years later, Kobe Bryant reignited his love, transforming him into an extensive contributor who savors the matches, covers games live, analyzes post-game pressers, and reports on injuries. With his stories, he aims at making readers feel the intense drama unfolding on the court every day.
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Edited by:

Shivatmika Manvi