Jrue Holiday has long been synonymous with the term “point guard,” known for his exceptional ability to balance playmaking and scoring during his tenures with teams like the New Orleans Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks. However, since joining the Boston Celtics, his role has shifted significantly. In Boston, Holiday operated more as a secondary guard, with much of the offensive responsibility shared among an abundance of offensive talent.
Now, as he transitions to the Portland Trail Blazers, the team is counting on him to reclaim that quintessential point guard role. At 35 years old, Holiday’s ability to do so may be crucial for the Blazers, whose offensive strategies heavily depend on his performance. If he can’t regain his form, the ceiling for the Blazers’ offense could plateau at a mediocre level, which would not be ideal for fans hoping for a competitive team.
While some may question whether Holiday’s best days are behind him, it is important to note that he recently ranked sixth in Defensive Player of the Year voting just two seasons prior, indicating that he still has plenty of skill left in the tank. However, his assist numbers saw a decline last season, averaging only 3.9 assists per game, compared to over six assists per game in his last three seasons with the Bucks. This drop in production was largely due to the depth of offensive talent around him in Boston, allowing him to take a backseat.
Moving forward, the situation in Portland demands a different approach. Here, Holiday is expected to not only facilitate but also lead the offense. The Blazers currently lack a high-scoring option; while players like Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija contribute positively, neither has consistently averaged 20 points per game. This places a heavier burden on Holiday, who, unlike in Boston, won’t have the luxury of blending into a high-powered offense featuring stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
The Blazers’ success this season will greatly depend on Holiday’s adaptability and willingness to return to that dynamic playmaker he once was, essential for orchestrating the team’s offense. As he embraces this transformative role, fans remain hopeful that his experience and skills can elevate the Blazers’ offensive game and help them compete in a challenging league.