This fall, the Portland Trail Blazers have found themselves at the center of attention due to a gambling scandal involving head coach Chauncey Billups and other figures in the NBA. Despite the off-court issues, Portland has surprised many by starting the season with a respectable 3-2 record, with notable contributions from former Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday.
After spending two seasons with the Celtics, Holiday was traded to the Trail Blazers in June as part of a deal that saw guard Anfernee Simons go in the opposite direction. Doubts about Portland’s choice to bring in the 35-year-old, especially following a downturn in his performance, have been quelled by Holiday’s impressive showing on the court.
In a discussion about early-season surprises, Law Murray from The Athletic highlighted Holiday as the standout player in the Western Conference. Murray pointed out that Holiday has transformed into a critical part of Portland’s offensive scheme, showcasing both his astute defensive skills and ability to manage the game effectively. He noted that while Portland’s offensive output has struggled in recent years, it has shown signs of improvement under Holiday’s guidance.
After a rocky debut that saw him score only 14 points on 5-of-15 shooting during a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Holiday quickly turned things around. In the following three games, he delivered stellar performances, averaging over 21 points, six assists, and five rebounds, reflecting his adaptability and skill set.
As of now, Holiday is averaging 19.6 points, 7.8 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game throughout the young season, with shooting percentages that are among the best of his career. His current stats mirror his peak performance years, notably matching figures from when he played for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Looking ahead, fans can anticipate Holiday’s return to the TD Garden on December 28, where he will face his former team, marking a significant moment in his new chapter with the Trail Blazers. The season may still be in its early stages, but with Holiday holding the reins, there is optimism for Portland as they navigate through both challenges and opportunities.