Milwaukee Bucks: 3 decisions that helped the Bucks win 2021 NBA title

Decisions that helped the Milwaukee Bucks win 2021 NBA title: No. 2 – Trading for Jrue Holiday

Following a devastating defeat in the 2020 playoffs, adding a new point guard was atop the Bucks’ to-do list for the offseason. After scoring the market, the front office agreed on a blockbuster deal with the New Orleans Pelicans for veteran guard Jrue Holiday. Considering that the Bucks traded away Eric Bledsoe, George Hill, three future first round picks, and two pick swaps, many called the deal a massive overpay and that they would come to regret it.

Well, that day never came. Throughout his first season with the Bucks, Holiday proved to be just what the doctor ordered for this team as he was indeed the missing piece to their title aspirations. Although there were some growing pains to begin the year, the guard’s phenomenal two-way play helped him eventually find his footing and have the most efficient season of his career year on the offensive end while fitting seamlessly on defense.

While his regular season was great, it was the playoffs where Holiday truly shined. Although he was far from perfect as there were several brutal performances, Holiday stepped up during the biggest moments and helped the Bucks win their first title in 50 years. He made countless key plays, such as knocking down those triples down the stretch in Game 7 against the Nets and his iconic steal on Devin Booker in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

For a team that had been haunted by lackluster guard play over the past several years, Holiday was the upgrade that the Bucks needed. Trading away all of those future picks certainly does not look so worrisome now that they won a championship in his first year in town and because of how it influenced the Greek Freak to decide on his future.