The Boston Celtics will boast the best defensive backcourt in the NBA when they roll out Jrue Holiday and Derrick White this season. Both guards were named to All-Defensive teams last spring, and they will look to back up their impressive campaigns with more two-way brilliance.
According to Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe, Holiday has had a blast playing alongside another elite defender in White.
“It’s fun,” Holiday said. “I think the chemistry is there. Even just the first few days of training camp talking to him about what he likes to do defensively, or even just asking him about certain things. But getting out there and actually being able to play with him a bit more, getting that court time has been good for us.”
Over their last two preseason games, Holiday and White have spent plenty of time on the court together. Both players have started in the backcourt for Boston, combining for 41 points and 11 assists during the pair of contests.
In his two starts with White, Holiday has nailed 64.3% of his field goals. The former Buck has also connected on two of his five 3-pointers. Meanwhile, White has hit an impressive 50% of his total shots and 40% of his threes.
Last season, Holiday coupled his All-Defense selection with a second All-Star showing of his career. Boston’s newest addition averaged 19.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 7.4 assists while shooting 47.9% from the field and 38.4% from downtown. His final season in Milwaukee came to an early end as the Miami Heat dumped the Bucks out of the playoffs in five intense games.
Holiday and White have gelled well in their preseason minutes together, getting it done on both ends of the court. From the moment the Celtics traded for Holiday, White seemed pleased with the acquisition.
“I was excited,” White said, per Celtics reporter Bobby Krivitzky. “I’ve only heard great things about him from everyone that knows him and talks about him. Can’t be upset about it.”
A Holiday-White backcourt could give Boston the edge they need to finally win an 18th championship. The combination of efficient offense and suffocating defense should make for an elite duo.
Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell said it best in a recent interview.
“When you have two guys who can defend like they defend, it makes your defense pretty f—ing good.”
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