Today, Jrue Holiday is one of the NBA's top players, and his stellar performance this year has only reinforced that status. However, looking back at his early days, not many would have predicted such success.
As a young point guard with the 76ers, Holiday's game appeared raw and offensively limited. Yet, Doug Collins , his second NBA head coach, always believed in Holiday's potential to become great.
"I love Jrue Holiday and his potential. Really do. And if you said he could be a top 15 guy, I'm good with that," Collins remarked in 2010, per CBS Sports.
'J-Holla' is a winner
Holiday, now 34, is on track to become a Hall of Famer, and recent years have reinforced this belief.
First and foremost, the 6'4" guard has established himself as one of the best perimeter defenders in NBA history. Jrue's quick hands, body control, and anticipation have earned him respect from elite offensive players. As a three-time NBA All-Defensive First Team member, he also has the accolades to back this reputation.
Additionally, Holiday's contributions on both ends of the court have been crucial in winning championships for his team. In 2021, he played a key role in the Milwaukee Bucks' championship title. This year, the L.A. native did the same for the Celtics ' title. Shortly after, he also starred for the gold-winning Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Related: "He has 47 kids in the Philippines, and I'm the oldest one" - When Dennis Rodman broke down during his Hall of Fame speech
From silencing the doubters to still being traded
While Holiday now widely receives praise as a two-time All-Star, things looked a bit different in his first three years.
Initially, critics highlighted the young guard's offensive skills, pointing out his low shooting efficiency. For instance, in his third season, Jrue ranked among the least efficient starting point guards, with a field goal percentage of just .432. 'J-Holla' also struggled with aggression when driving to the basket and faced some playmaking issues. These factors raised concerns about his potential as a franchise leader.
However, two key points are essential. Firstly, the UCLA product entered the NBA at just 19 and was still maturing both on and off the court during that period. Secondly, being part of a rebuilding team like the 76ers poses considerable challenges for most young players.
Holiday silenced critics in his fourth year, achieving career highs of 19.7 points, 8.0 assists, and 4.2 rebounds, leading the Sixers to a playoff berth with a 34-48 record. At just 22, he became the youngest player in Philadelphia franchise history to earn an All-Star selection.
Still, shortly after, the front office traded him to the Pelicans instead of further developing his talent. Nevertheless, the resilient Holiday simply continued to grow with his new team, and in doing so, Jrue's time in New Orleans became another pivotal moment in his rise to NBA stardom.
Related: Jrue Holiday is disappointed that the 76ers traded him in 2013: "I thought I was one of the cornerstones"
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