Just after announcing his retirement, former NBA star Andre Iguodala was on ESPN’s First Take where he made a bold take on former Milwaukee Bucks’ sensation Jrue Holiday. Holiday was traded to the Boston Celtics after initially being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in a blockbuster deal that brought Damian Lillard to the team.
Ex-Bucks Star “Most Underrated Player of this Generation”
It was a topic of discussion on who’s the best in the east: The Boston Celtics or the Milwaukee Bucks. When Iguodala was asked the question, he right away went to giving his praises to Jrue Holiday:
“Jrue Holiday is the most underrated player of this generation,” Iguodala said. “For him to not make all-defensive every single year, every year he’s been in the league…This guy’s different.”
He would then answer the initial question with the Celtics until they can prove him wrong. Iguodala also commented on the Milwaukee Bucks’ talent in their roster, but they will need to figure out how to handle the rotation and who’s going to get the ball now that it’s Dame Time in Milwaukee.
Jrue Holiday’s Impact in Milwaukee and now Boston
Holiday has been dubbed one of the best defenders in the NBA and seems to take his incredible talent wherever he goes. Known for his amazing perimeter defense and making good stops, the Bucks are going to have to figure out who is going to basically step in the shoes and fill Holiday’s role on the team.
It was a huge blow to hear that Holiday had been traded, but traded to one of our top competitors? Even more of a huge blow. But, Boston also lost a player in Marcus Smart, also a great defender and a team leader.
Both teams are favorites to take home an NBA championship, it could go either way. Milwaukee heightened their chances when they got Damian Lillard and despite losing Smart, Boston certainly boosted their chances by acquiring Holiday.
Having Holiday behind you meant you were probably in good shape. I mean, he is a huge part of how the Bucks won the championship back in 2021. His ability to be able to knock down attempts will be great for players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown who are huge scorers for the Celtics.
Damian Lillard is the opposite of Jrue Holiday from a defensive perspective; Lillard is known for his explosive offense and long-shots. He’s not by any means terrible defensively, but he probably won’t be the guy you see stopping opportunities for opponents, guarding multiple positions or making All-Defensive teams.
The Bucks do have Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez who have been good defenders for the team, and they also have options like Khris Middleton, Malik Beasley, etc. to try and fill the hole that’s left by Holiday leaving the team.
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