Jrue Holiday Embraces New Start with Portland Trail Blazers

SAN FRANCISCO — Veteran guard Jrue Holiday expressed enthusiasm for his new role with the Portland Trail Blazers after being traded from the 2024 NBA champion Boston Celtics. Holiday met with head coach Chauncey Billups shortly after the trade was finalized on June 23, making it clear he was ‘super excited’ for this new chapter.

Speaking to Andscape after Portland’s preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors on October 8, Holiday addressed assumptions about his feelings towards the trade. ‘Everyone was just talking about it. Nobody was really asking me about the trade,’ he said. ‘When I got the call from [Celtics president] Brad [Stevens], I was super excited.’

Holiday, a 35-year-old veteran, is set to play a crucial role on a young Blazers roster that is looking to boost its defense. In his two seasons with Boston, he averaged 11.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists while starting in all 131 games. Although these averages were some of the lowest in his career, he won an NBA title and remains grateful for his time in Boston.

‘It was great. Short-lived, but we did what we were supposed to do,’ Holiday said about his time with the Celtics. ‘Obviously, things don’t always work out the way you want them to. But I’m blessed to still be playing this game.’

His return to Portland follows a prior brief stint when he was traded to the Celtics in a deal involving Damian Lillard. This time, the Blazers sought to enhance their lineup with a player known for his defensive skills and leadership.

‘I expect to be a little more of a role [offensively in Portland],’ he stated. ‘Handle the ball a little bit more. Get people into actions. Maybe be more part of the offense here.’

Holiday is notably the oldest player on the Blazers, bringing a wealth of experience alongside younger talent. The team has four players aged 21 or younger and are hoping to turn around their playoff drought, last competing in 2021. Billups praised Holiday for his impact, highlighting his ability to inspire younger teammates and players’ eagerness to absorb his knowledge.

Off the court, Holiday values the proximity of Portland to his family in Los Angeles. He described his excitement about playing closer to home after years with teams in different parts of the country. ‘I like being closer to home, closer to my family,’ Holiday said. ‘It’s been good for me. Home is always where the heart is, right?’

Holiday’s unique perspective on playing in Portland presents both challenges and opportunities, as the team seeks to navigate a competitive Western Conference this season. He remains positive about his journey and looks forward to bringing his experience to this new environment.