https://theathletic.com/5070012/2023/11/17/celtics-jrue-holiday-defense/?source=emp_shared_article
Very interesting article. Here’s some excerpts for the paywalled folk
> With Boston missing Kristaps Porziņģis (bruised right knee) and Jaylen Brown (illness), Joe Mazzulla demanded such aggressiveness from Holiday. “This was the first time where Jrue, I told him before the game, I watched you on film take things over when guys on the Bucks team were out and you won games because of what you did on both ends,” Mazzulla said. “So he was able to do some of that tonight.”
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> “Gotta be aggressive,” Holiday said when relaying the conversation to The Athletic. “Gotta go out there and take my shots. Really just be aggressive and be me. I know on this team we have so much talent that, especially offensively, I can defer to other people. So having that conversation, he wants me to go out there and be aggressive.”
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> “I guess it’s not really about trying,” Holiday said. “You just do it. I’m kind of a versatile player. So there’s things I can do to affect the game without having the ball. So if it’s offensive rebounding, if it’s rebounding in general, if it’s getting steals and deflections, making big plays, whatever it is. Again, just being a guy that sometimes I’ll get touches, sometimes I won’t. Some days I’ll get 15 shots, some days I’ll get four. I think just initially having the mindset of being aggressive, getting to the basket, playing through the paint is something that he wants.”
Looks like the team wants Jrue to be more aggressive offensively
by SerialRapper
8 Comments
His capabilities on offense have been extremely refreshing and a lot better than I expected. Having someone who can initiate the offense and still effectively shoot off ball is super value to a forward dominant team like this.
They also see him as a dawg on offense
The back downs in the post on guards are a thing of beauty, another thing that we lost with Smart’s departure and just replaced at a higher level with Jrue
It is WILD that the Bucks gave him up like that. I love Marcus with all my green heart, but this dude is such an insane breath of fresh air. Grounded, focused, great teammate, just a pleasure to watch every game. Wish we had him earlier.
His left hand hook is something to behold.
Already one of my favorite Celtics.
The willingness from both Holiday and KP to be third and fourth options is so big. I hope JB has that same mindset, because I’m not positive he’s more important than either on this specific team.
This seems like a true TEAM, which is so underrated because ESPN can’t quantify that.
Such a crafty ball handler and excellent finisher around the rim. His 3s weren’t dropping the other night, but they were all good looks.