Milwaukee Bucks: Grades for each starter heading into All-Star break
By Dalton Sell
Milwaukee Bucks: Grade for Jrue Holiday heading into All-Star break
The Bucks spared no expense in acquiring former All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday this offseason to shore up their star power. Given the haul, many were skeptical if Holiday would be worth mortgaging their future for, but he has silenced those concerns heading into the break.
The 30-year-old has been the perfect third complement in Milwaukee by averaging 15.3 points on a .491/.364/.766 slash line, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. Along with a hefty dose of scoring and playmaking that the Bucks desperately longed for this offseason, Holiday has been a difference maker defensively, living up to his identity as one of the best defensive players in the association.
Just as it seemed Holiday had found his niche with Milwaukee, he was sidelined for 10 games after contracting COVID-19. Although the Bucks managed to stay afloat by putting together a 5-5 stretch without their starting point guard, it was clear that they missed his presence. Holiday has since returned to the lineup off the bench as he continues working his way back up to his typical form.
Still working on his return, Holiday showcased the massive impact he can have as he sunk the clutch baseline jumper with seconds left to give the Bucks a 112-111 win Thursday night in Memphis. The guard’s big shot helped Milwaukee close out the first portion of the season on a high note, and hopefully, he can use this short All-Star break to get back up to speed.
When he has been on the court, Holiday has been nothing short of fantastic for the Bucks. Along with his widespread confidence, the guard has helped turn up the intensity on both ends of the floor for this team, something they have longed for in recent memory. Strictly looking at his role as the third fiddle, Holiday has earned his praise.