Jrue Holiday shares heavy reason why Boston Celtics trade didn't faze him
When Jrue Holiday was traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Boston Celtics for Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams III, and two future first-round draft picks in October, the point guard wasn't fazed by the news; nor was he fazed by the trade from the Milwaukee Bucks for Damian Lillard three days prior.
Holiday explained why to The Ringer's Mirin Fader, and it is sure to tug at more than a few heartstrings: he had experienced far more shocking and legitimately devastating news in 2016 when he found out his wife Lauren found out she had a brain tumor.
“I think it helped me prepare for [the trade],” Jrue said of Lauren's diagnosis. “Life does hit you in different types of ways at different times, and maybe just subconsciously you learn this lesson. … I know some people get down on life … but I think for me, and I don’t know why—maybe it is because of the support of my family, maybe it is because of my faith—but it’s always turned out to be something that I grew from and made me so much stronger.”
Al Horford lauded Jrue Holiday for professionalism with Boston Celtics
That Holiday went on to nab three NBA All-Defensive First Team nominations after finding out something that could've upended the careers of many is a testament to his strength, but Al Horford lauded the Los Angeles native particularly for his professionalism since arriving in Boston.
“He came in here very willing, very open-minded, not trying to step on anybody’s toes and just wanting to work,” Horford said to Fader. “The thing that’s impressed me about him is his work ethic and how he goes about his daily routine and then really just embracing our players, embracing what we had here, and trying to find his way with the group.
“And for a guy of his stature to come in here and be so willing and genuinely care about winning, I feel like that’s contagious. It puts us all on notice, and he’s somebody that we respect and that we look up to.”
If this Celtics team does end up hanging Banner 18 from the TD Garden rafters this Fall, it'll be hard to not give a large portion of credit to Holiday; the lone champion on this roster. He's acted like one since donning the green for the first time, and if the team is lucky, they'll retain him in the offseason when he faces the choice of opting out and becoming a free agent.