BRIGHTON — Last season, the Boston Celtics got very lucky on the injury front. Outside of Kristaps Porzingis, who missed chunks of time, including most of the postseason, with various lower-leg injuries, the Celtics remained largely healthy. But so far this year, their shamrock logo hasn’t generated that same fortune.
Multiple Celtics players have dealt with nagging injuries, though none have been major. Every single player in the starting lineup has missed time. Sam Hauser, Al Horford, and others have also racked up some absences. Amongst them all, Jrue Holiday’s ailments have been some of the most prolonged. It’s been a right shoulder impingement, for the most part.
And while it’s not ideal, it’s simply part of the business.
Jrue Holiday on his injuries: 'I'm old, man'
At Celtics shootaround on Monday morning, Holiday spoke about his lingering injuries and how he’s been dealing with them. And in typical Holiday fashion, he was extremely honest about whether or not he’s feeling 100%.
“I'm old, man,” Holiday said. “I don't think anybody ever feels 100%. So, it's just a part of the grind of the season. It's a part of playing 15 years and just being able to maintain and take care of your body.”
Holiday has missed seven games so far this season, most of which while dealing with the aforementioned right shoulder impingement.
The 34-year-old guard also spoke about how he navigates taking days off.
“I don't know. I don't ever tell myself to take a night off,” Holiday said. “Usually, either somebody has to tell me because they can see it. Sometimes ,you need to be saved from yourself. But a coupl ofe nights off aren't going to fix whatever issues or problems you have. So, I think, sometimes, it definitely helps, but when it comes down to it, it's a grind. It's how the season goes.
“It's 82-plus games. There's a lot of travel. Literally, we were just on the West Coast, and now we're back here on the East Coast, so you can't complain about it, you just gotta do it.”
Holiday’s numbers have been a bit down this season, but when he’s been healthy, he’s still the defensive glue that holds the Celtics together.
And since his latest return from injury, his three-point shooting has improved, which has been a welcomed sight for Boston.
Injuries are a part of the year, and for a guy like Holiday, who has been in the NBA for as long as he has, they are even more relevant.