Jrue Holiday Joins Trail Blazers Aiming Playoff Return

Jrue Holiday, the veteran guard recently traded to the Portland Trail Blazers from the Boston Celtics, is focused on bringing a winning culture and competitiveness to the team. Holiday emphasized his goal is to win and make noise, expressing excitement about playing with the Blazers' young, talented guards Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, and veteran Damian Lillard, who recently returned from injury. The Blazers, who have not made the playoffs since 2021, are hopeful that Holiday's championship experience and leadership will help guide their youthful roster to success. Holiday, 35, has a contract through the 2027–28 season with a player option, and he remains open to continuing his career as long as he can contribute. Portland's head coach Chauncey Billups, a former NBA Finals MVP, also provides veteran leadership to complement Holiday and Lillard. Overall, Holiday aims to leverage his experience from multiple playoff runs and championships to help the Blazers improve and compete in the tough Western Conference.