Jrue Holiday, the former guard for the Boston Celtics, is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of 1-2 weeks due to a calf injury. This setback comes as a particularly challenging time for the Portland Trail Blazers, who have seen an encouraging start to the season, with Holiday playing a significant role in their success.
Now 35, Holiday is in the later stages of his NBA career, which raises concerns about his long-term durability. The Celtics made the decision to trade him for various reasons this summer, primarily due to his substantial salary and the potential for injuries as he ages. The Blazers are now experiencing the realities of such considerations firsthand.
Originally, the trade between the Celtics and the Blazers involved Holiday moving to Portland in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks. However, complications regarding Holiday’s medical evaluation led to the removal of the second-round picks, resulting in a direct trade, one-for-one. Since the trade, Simons has faced challenges adapting to the Celtics’ system, primarily due to defensive lapses, but has shown signs of improvement recently.
Despite the injury, Holiday has proven to be a vital asset for the Blazers up until now. Participating in 12 games this season, he averaged 16.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.6 steals while shooting 44.6% from the field and 36.5% from beyond the arc on a career-high 7.1 attempts per game. His performances have contributed significantly to the Blazers’ playoff aspirations, marking one of their most competitive seasons since the departure of star player Damian Lillard.
The setback poses an obstacle for Portland as they seek to capitalize on Holiday’s contributions leading into the season. While the team hopes for a swift recovery, this situation underscores the risks involved in securing veteran talent, particularly concerning health and longevity. As they navigate this challenge, the Blazers are reminded of the complexities that accompany high-profile acquisitions in the league.