Celtics fans will love what Jrue Holiday just said about Boston's season

Monday night at TD Garden, Jrue Holiday returned to Boston for the first time since the trade that sent him back to the franchise the Celtics acquired him from.

During Holiday's two years in green, he didn't just help the franchise raise banner 18 to the TD Garden rafters; he immersed himself in the community. Building those bonds is something he and his family take pride in doing everywhere his career takes them.

"It's been great for me because I feel like if I have to live in a city, I want to really feel a part of that city and to know that I'm really making an impact on minorities and in areas that are less beneficial has been amazing to me because you can see the drive that they have. You can see the love for their city," Holiday told this author during his final season with the Celtics.

"Boston is one of those cities: How they show up to the games, and it doesn't matter if it's a preseason game or the championship game, they show up the same way every single time. That's what the city is like. That's how they feel about their city, and it's been amazing to grow with the city."

Now in Portland, he's connecting with a new community in the Pacific Northwest. The two-time NBA champion is also applying the leadership that makes him a valuable voice in the locker room. On a young team like the Trail Blazers, that matters even more.

"A lot. He's huge for us," said Trail Blazers head coach Thiago Splitter when asked about Holiday's impact in Portland. "What he brings to the locker room. To the court. His experience. Taking care of end-of-the-game situations, live situations, locker room situations, all of the things that we preach about as a staff, as an organization, he's on point with the players. So, it's a pleasure to have him in our locker room."

What Jrue Holiday meant to the Celtics

Splitter's sentiment is a testament to an individual whom people rave about, both on and off the court, when his name comes up.

"The biggest thing that stands out is who he is as a person," voiced Joe Mazzulla pregame. "He's a guy who was a champion and an All-Star, and he comes in and accepts a completely different role with a smile on his face. And does it with a level of respect and professionalism, and is willing to do whatever it takes to win every night...It was great having him for the time that we did, and [I] love him to death."

"It was such a pleasure being his teammate, I learned so much," voiced Payton Pritchard after the Celtics' 102-94 win over the Trail Blazers. "Just a great human being. Obviously, a wonderful basketball player, but the teammate he was and just to be around, I'm very grateful for it."

After Jaylen Brown stuffed the stat sheet with 20 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and four steals, it was his turn to gush about his former teammate.

"Great people on and off the court. Two-time champion on the court, and I feel like he's even more deserving off. Him and his wife, Lauren, are near and dear to me. Just great people," said Brown during his post-game interview with NBC Sports. "I love them both."

Jrue Holiday's lasting memory from his Celtics tenure

The 17th-year guard, always gracious, met with the media before and after his Boston homecoming.

Pregame, he shared his lasting memory from his two seasons with the Celtics.

"I just think the people, the fans, the crowd, how they embrace you, and kind of make you a part of their own team and own village. So, I'll obviously never forget that," voiced Holiday.

When the first quarter concluded, his former franchise utilized the break in the game to celebrate an individual who helped bring a championship to Boston.

As the TD Garden faithful saluted him, the two-time All-Star waived, tapped his heart, and expressed his appreciation while trying to stay focused on the task at hand.

Funny enough, Robert Williams III -- another former Celtic who fans were eager to welcome back for his first career game against Boston -- was far more animated than his even-keeled teammate.

"I thought it was awesome, to be honest," Holiday said of his video tribute. "It brought back good times and, yeah, you know, I enjoyed my time here. It was really nice."

Jrue Holiday's outlook on the current Celtics

With Boston facing the repercussions of operating over the second apron in consecutive campaigns, the organization had no choice but to dip below that threshold and prioritize flexibility.

While the franchise loves what Holiday brings as a player, a leader, and who he is off the court and in the community, they realized what had to be done.

What he appreciates is that the Celtics were transparent about that reality. Rather than him being caught off guard or forced to figure out on his own that he would not be back for a third season in Boston, they were honest and communicative about what was to come.

"I knew I was getting traded. Brad had told me that there was a possibility, and then, whenever it happened, he was up front and told me," conveyed Holiday. "Felt like it was a great transition. Me and my family are doing well in Portland; a lot of people that we actually know. Love the organization from even before, when they actually traded me here, but to circleback and get me means a lot to me. So, I've been doing well."

It wasn't just Holiday who walked out the door this summer. The Celtics lost Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet as well. And they're without Jayson Tatum, as he works his way back from a torn Achilles tendon.

Many pundits projected a gap year. Jrue Holiday, however, isn't surprised to see Boston in second in the East and still in the title picture.

"Not that surprised. I mean, I knew that they'd be well, they'd do well, knowing the type of determination that this coaching staff and organization has," said Holiday. "Being with this team for a couple of years now, and knowing the type of players that they are and how they prepare, I figured that they'd be good. And then obviously, knowing Jaylen, [I] feel like he takes a lot of things personally, so he doesn't accept a lot, especially when it comes to being bad."

That shared hunger has Jaylen Brown in the MVP race, while his team is forcing critics to apologize for doubting what they could achieve after a summer spent saying goodbye to people like Holiday.