Boston will be a very different looking team this season after acquiring Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis over the summer.
To land the Unicorn (aka Porzingis) the C’s traded away longtime member Marcus Smart.
It was a big loss for the franchise, but in recent days former Bucks guard Holiday landed in Boston – who is also considered one of the NBA’s best defenders.
On Media Day, Celtics forward Jayson Tatum explained how much he’s looking forward to playing with Holiday.
“Jrue’s a great player, a great person,” Tatum told NBC Sports Boston. “[I] had the privilege of being on the same Olympic team two years ago. We won a gold medal. Obviously, he’s won a championship, and he’s as respected as anybody in this league. Just how he carries himself, and how he plays on both ends of the ball. [We’re] very fortunate and lucky to have him.”
Tatum’s co-star, Jaylen Brown gave big ups to Jrue as well and is eager to take the court with the 2021 title winner.
“Jrue is fantastic,” Brown said. “There’s a tremendous amount of respect for Jrue as someone I’ve had to guard.
“He plays with a certain force you can just feel. He’s just super solid. He’s a competitor. He’s an assassin.”
Last season, Holiday earned his second All-Star appearance and as well as being a formidable defender, his offense is also a weapon.
The 33-year-old averaged 19.3 points, 7.4 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game on on 47.9 percent shooting and 38.4 percent shooting from deep.
Boston veteran Al Horford had some praise for the team’s other star recruit, Porzingis.
“It’s pretty unbelievable watching him go through workouts and play,” Horford said.
“I’ve played against him over the years, but when you really see a guy like that, he’s really 7-foot-3. Maybe even a little taller.”
Since adding Holiday to the roster, the Celtics have shot to tied title favorites in the betting markets with the Bucks.
There has been so much movement this offseason, especially with skilled veterans, which should make it an extra juicy NBA season. Bring on October 24.