Joe Mazzulla Praises Jrue Holiday Ahead Of Celtics-Trail Blazers

The Boston Celtics will welcome the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night, and they will be going up against a familiar face.

Former Celtics guard Jrue Holiday will be returning to the building after Boston traded him during the offseason.

Holiday played with the Celtics for two seasons, from 2023 to 2025, and was a key member of the team that clinched the NBA title in 2024. Head coach Joe Mazzulla praised Holiday for his time with the Celtics.

“You take a look at a guy who’s a champion and an All-Star and comes in and kind of accepts a completely different role, and does it with a smile on his face,” Joe Mazzulla said on Monday, via CluthPoints Daniel Donabedian.

Without Holiday on the Celtics, they likely wouldn’t have won the 2024 NBA title. He may not have been the star player, but he played one of the most critical roles on the team, showcasing exceptional defense, running the point guard position and providing strong leadership.

Holiday only had a brief stint in Boston, but many people will never forget him as one of the best Celtics of the 21st century.