Milwaukee Bucks: Getting to know All-Star guard Jrue Holiday
By Dalton Sell
Detailing Jrue Holiday’s fit with the Milwaukee Bucks
Finding an upgrade at point guard was atop of the Bucks’ to-do list this offseason.
Eric Bledsoe, who held the mantle as Milwaukee’s starting point guard for most of the last three seasons, desperately needed a fresh start elsewhere after coming up short in three consecutive postseason trips. While he was not the sole player at fault for the Bucks’ shortcomings, he often received the most criticism and now has an opportunity to redeem himself in New Orleans.
With the acquisition of Holiday, Milwaukee certainly got their upgrade, as he brings a dose of elite two-way play within the Bucks’ backcourt. Offensively, adding shooting and playmaking was on Milwaukee’s wishlist this offseason, and Holiday provides both. Last season, Holiday averaged 6.7 assists while also shooting 35.3 percent on 346 3-point attempts last season. Being the credible scoring threat he is, Holiday will surely patch up some holes for the Bucks.
On the opposite end of the court, Holiday needs little introduction, even for Buck fans who have watched him from afar.
The guard has been widely regarded as one of the toughest defenders in the league for years and has never having backed down from the tallest of tasks. If you don’t believe me, take it from 2014 MVP and two-time champion Kevin Durant, who previously spoke highly of Holiday on an episode of J.J. Redick’s ‘The Old Man & The Three’ podcast:
"“Jrue Holiday is solidified as probably the best defender in the league at the guard position… You put Jrue in any system, any coach is going to ask him to guard the best player. We played them in 2018, second round and he guarded me the whole series. He was picking me up full court, he was guarding me in the post. Actually, it was tough to dribble on Jrue Holiday. He slides his feet so well, he’s got good hands, he’s strong, he’s got good instincts. I gained a lot of respect for him in that series because he went from guarding me to Klay (Thompson) to Steph (Curry) to guarding Draymond (Green), neutralizing picks and rolls. He’s special. He’s special on that side of the ball.”"
Holiday’s presence on both ends of the floor will be a significant addition for the Bucks and being able to take on top-notch defensive assignments while simultaneously elevating the offense will have an immeasurable impact on the whole team.