As the Boston Celtics prepare for a postseason run they hope ends with Banner 18, to this point, an elusive pursuit, they’ve ensured a member of their reshaped core will remain in the fold for the long term.
The C’s and Jrue Holiday agreed to a four-year, $135 million extension on Wednesday night. According to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe, the final year of the deal is a player option.
The two-time All-Star quarterbacks their defense, takes on responsibilities ranging from guarding Joel Embiid and Julius Randle to locking up opposing guards, and wreaks havoc when deployed in the middle of their zone defense.
At the other end of the floor, the former UCLA Bruin, credited by teammates as sacrificing the most on a roster featuring the most talented top six in the NBA, has a 16.4 percent usage rate, the lowest of his career.
Still, he’s producing 12.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and nearly a steal and a block per contest. The 14-year veteran is also knocking down 43.1 percent of the 4.7 shots he’s launching from beyond the arc. According to NBA.com, excluding D.J. Wilson, who’s played in two games this season, Holiday’s 61.1 percent conversion rate on corner threes is tops in the league.
Nov 22, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) shoots vs. the Milwaukee Bucks.
Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Following Thursday’s shoot around at the Auerbach Center ahead of the Celtics’ game against the New York Knicks, the five-time All-Defensive Team selection spoke with the media about the extension tying him to Boston for the long term.
“I think since I came here, and kind of the situation how I got here — it’s only been love (from) the city of Boston. Not only that, but the organization made it super easy for us to kind of navigate and get through a time that was a bit stressful for us. So, just an appreciation. We love the city. We love this organization, the players in it, and what they stand for. (We’re) doing our best to try to get another banner.”
When asked how this season compares to the expectations he had upon joining the Celtics, Holiday conveyed, “Once I got here or even once I knew I was getting traded here, this is a part of what I wanted or what I envisioned: being in a great organization, being here for a lengthy amount of time, and being able to play along guys like JT and JB, and really try to get more banners (and) get more rings.”
Nov 28, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts with guard Jrue Holiday.
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While he and his new franchise had to wait until April to finalize this extension, considering the latter parted with Robert Williams, Malcolm Brogdon, and multiple first-round picks, they presumably envisioned the 33-year-old guard being more than a rental.
When asked about how this deal came together, Holiday shared, “It was an ongoing conversation. I felt like it was pretty — I thought it was pretty easy. I think, mutually, we kind of came to an agreement and felt like this was what was best for not only me but for the team. (I) just hope it works. I want to be here. I want to win multiple rings, and I’ve heard people say that here plenty of times. So, I’m ready for that.”
Signing an extension shortly before the playoffs is a familiar route for Holiday. He did so in 2021 and then helped the Milwaukee Bucks capture the organization’s second NBA title.
Regarding the value of having peace of mind, knowing this deal is done prior to the postseason, he told Inside The Celtics, “I think knowing that whatever we build here, whatever happens this season is just going to continue to grow and get better into the seasons after that.
“Honestly, I think during this time, yes, I was thinking about it, but I would say that the most important thing for me is that I wanted to continue to show the city, continue to show my team that I want to be here and I want to play, if I signed the contract or not.”
Further Reading
Aiming to Maximize Championship Window, Celtics Extend Jrue Holiday
Neemias Queta Inks New Deal with Celtics
Seldom-Used Celtics Reserve Showcasing Playoff Value
Jaylen Brown Shares What Latest Milestone Means to Him
Jaylen Brown Shares What’s Fueling Career Year: ‘Nothing in This World Gonna Break My Spirit’
Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented
Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics’ Title Pursuit: ‘It’s a Process’
Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans
Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: ‘It Builds, Like, an Armor’
Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics’ Offense: ‘Balance of Pace and Execution’