2. Trade Jrue Holiday
Without Jrue Holiday, the Celtics wouldn’t have won it all last season. From his clutch steal against Andrew Nembhard in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals to his 26 points in Game 2 of the Finals, Holiday’s play on both ends along with being the true point guard brought them over the hump.
This season was different. Payton Pritchard took a huge leap and took some minutes away from Holiday, particularly being favored in some end-game situations. Holiday’s age and regression were displayed this season, as he showed a dip in his play.
Last year, Holiday averaged 12.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists in 32.8 minutes, shooting 48% from the field and 42.9% from three. This season, he averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 30.6 minutes, shooting 44.3% from the field and 35.3% from three. Although he suffered multiple injuries, his production and impact dipped.
Holiday, who’ll be 35 at the start of next season, has three years left on his four-year, $134 million contract he signed last April. The Celtics need to make moves this offseason, and Holliday is the odd man out.
Although his contract is daunting for any team to take, he’s still a valuable contributor who can help teams that are on the verge of winning it all. He’s the type of player every team wants: no ego, team-first attitude, and willing to make sacrifices.
Although I love Holiday and want him to stay, his contract and Pritchard’s emergence should lead to both parties moving on.