Jrue Holiday has elevated the Boston Celtics’ championship aspirations.
The Boston Celtics crushing defeat over the Brooklyn Nets came behind 20-point performances from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. But also joining the party with his all-around game was Jrue Holiday, who nearly recorded a triple double with 13 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists.
Yet another reminder of who the Miami Heat missed out on this offseason. Holiday was the next big available prospect for Miami to acquire after losing out on superstar Damian Lillard. The Celtics wasted no time getting Holiday from the Portland Trail Blazers, replacing the point guard production they had from Marcus Smart. The Heat stalled and missed out on another star player to complement Jimmy Butler.
The Heat are on a three-game win streak after their Wednesday night victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Still, some of their wins felt underwhelming with how close they were. Their championship aspirations are thin considering their Eastern Conference competition paired with their lack of star additions. They lack backcourt production, especially now that star guard Tyler Herro will miss some time with an ankle injury.
Holiday not only provides solid scoring, but also great facilitating and complementary defense. He doesn’t provide high-level offensive production like Lillard, but he could strengthen Miami’s defensive unit and possibly round out the Big Three with Butler and Bam Adebayo.
Holiday’s complete skillset shows in his first few weeks with the Celtics. It’s early in the season, but Boston looks like the favorites to represent the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, the Heat the Atlanta Hawks (5-3) Saturday night. Hopefully “running it back” doesn’t hurt them this time around.
Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat. He is a student at Howard University. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.
