Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday reassured NBA reporters that his current shoulder injury does not involve any nerve issues.
The injury, affecting his right shoulder, has sidelined him from play, leaving uncertainty around his return to the Celtics’ lineup. Given the team’s leading position in the NBA standings, caution is being exercised regarding his recovery timeline.
Jrue Holiday on his sprained AC joint in his right shoulder that has him out tonight in Atlanta: “Not a dead arm. I got hit on my shoulder and it felt like my arm went dead. But it's not a nerve thing or anything. It's just the part of the shoulder that I got hit in. But my…
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) March 25, 2024
Known for his exceptional two-way skills, Holiday played a pivotal role in the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2021 championship victory over the Phoenix Suns. With the Celtics aiming for a title, there’s optimism that Holiday could be the missing ingredient for success, despite the team’s previous loss in the 2022 Finals to the Golden State Warriors.
Holiday’s statistical contributions this season underscore his significance, with averages of 12.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists, along with notable defensive stats. His shooting efficiency further solidifies his value to the team.
In an interesting twist, LeBron James, during the debut episode of his podcast alongside former NBA guard JJ Redick, remarked on the perceived steal of a deal that brought Holiday to the Celtics. The trade journey leading to his arrival involved Holiday initially being part of the Milwaukee Bucks’ transaction with the Portland Trail Blazers, as part of the Damian Lillard trade saga.
Following Holiday’s expressed desire not to play for the Blazers, Portland’s head coach Chauncey Billups supported his wish to join a competitive team. This ultimately led to Holiday landing with the Celtics in exchange for players like Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams, and future draft picks.
Jrue Holiday’s absence poses a significant challenge for the Celtics, but the team remains hopeful for his swift return, recognizing the impact his presence can have on their championship aspirations.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!