The Boston Celtics made huge moves before winning another banner and it could have not been better than adding someone who had already held a Larry O'Brien trophy. Jrue Holiday was such an important piece during their postseason run, ending with confetti, tears, and hugs.
When discussing Holiday's impact, Jayson Tatum had jokes for one of his greatest Eastern Conference postseason foes.
Tatum sardonically sent his regards to the Milwaukee Bucks for giving them a glue guy and their best perimeter defender. The NBA champion who's now gunning for a gold medal says, "Thanks to the Bucks."
Jayson Tatum when he found out Jrue Holiday had been traded to the #Celtics:
— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) July 10, 2024
“At first I was like, ‘I can’t believe Milwaukee let this happen.’ So thanks to the Bucks.”
Adds he knew Boston had a really good chance to win the championship after adding Holiday. pic.twitter.com/Bkh9RECQeV
In the interview above, Tatum is so grateful but at the same time you could sense the thought of, "Why did you do this, Jon Horst?"
Horst gave away Holiday and ended up getting Damian Lillard when it was all said and done but the results of their seasons speak for themselves. We can all sit here and debate who the better player is between the two but regardless — Holiday has two rings and Lillard has zero.
Tha'ts not discrediting anyone's career. Those are just the facts.
Lillard is still on the hunt for his first one after being so loyal to the Portland Trail Blazers after all these years — finally sporting a different jersey for a change. Unfortunately, he has to get through the Cs to achieve that mission.
Jrue Holiday has came a long way in his NBA career
Holiday was drafted by the Philadephia 76ers before going on to play with the New Orleans Pelicans for multiple seasons, the Bucks for three and then the Cs. It has been quite the ride for the 34-year-old veteran.
This past season he averaged 12.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists — he was doing a little bit of everything and shot 48% from the field and 43% from downtown.
During the playoffs, his points and rebounds increased to 13.2 and 6.1 while converting 50% from the field and 40% from behind-the-arc.
He's a great player but also a very likable human. It makes sense why Tatum gave him such high praise and was correct about what could have been accomplished by having No. 4 on his side.