Following a remarkable season where Jrue Holiday clinched a championship with the Boston Celtics and secured an Olympic gold medal with Team USA, the basketball world is buzzing with talks about his potential induction into the prestigious Hall of Fame. Amidst the discussions, one cannot help but ponder whether Holiday, despite not being an MVP-caliber player in the NBA, has left a lasting impact on the league.
Over his 15-year career, Holiday has donned jerseys for renowned teams like the Celtics, 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Milwaukee Bucks. His resume boasts an impressive two championships, two Olympic gold medals, two All-Star team selections, three All-Defensive First Teams, and three All-Defensive Second Teams. Not to mention his three-time Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year award. With over 15000 points, 6000 assists, 4000 rebounds, 1400 steals, and 500 blocks, Holiday’s statistical achievements speak for themselves. And with just 25 regular season games away from hitting the 1,000 career games milestone, his longevity in the league is unquestionable.
Despite Basketball Reference estimating his chance at an induction into the Hall of Fame at 1.7%, Holiday’s impact on the court transcends mere stats and accolades. Many argue that it is his intangible contributions that set him apart and make a strong case for his inclusion. However, Holiday himself remains modest about accolades, stating in a recent episode of The Draymond Green Podcast that he does not “really care for accolades,” although he does express a desire to win the Defensive Player of the Year award at some point in his career.
As opinions continue to be divided on whether Holiday’s career merits the Hall of Fame or merely the “Hall of Very Good,” one thing is for certain – at just 34 years old, Holiday’s recent four-year contract extension suggests he still has more basketball left in him. Should he add another championship or two to his collection, the Hall of Fame may become an inevitable destination for this talented guard. In the words of Evan Turner, a former NBA player, when asked about Holiday’s case for the Hall of Fame – “Yes.”
