5 Moves Celtics should make after trading for Jrue Holiday
By Tyler Watts
2. Increase ball-handling
It was clear the Boston Celtics needed more ball-handling and playmaking when Jayson Tatum was injured in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat. They had limited options to turn to and nobody filled the role.
Boston dumped Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon this summer for Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. The Unicorn cannot create shots, which leaves Holiday to make up for the losses.
The 6’3 guard will be happy playing off the ball and is likely best suited in a secondary playmaking role. He is an All-Star who averaged 7.4 assists per game last season, but the Bucks offense broke down a bit in the playoffs when Holiday was tasked with running the show, especially as the shot clock dwindled.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will handle the rock and make plays. Adding Jrue Holiday helps those three divide the duties, but problems will arise if any of those three are sidelined. Payton Pritchard is in line for the larger role he wanted, but can he deliver? The 6’1 guard will struggle defensively and averages just 4.0 assists per 36 minutes for his career.
The Boston Celtics need another trusted ball-handler and playmaker to round out their roster. They have increased their top-end talent and are primed to compete for a championship. The franchise just needs a few secondary pieces and should be all-in on acquiring them.