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In the aftermath of the blockbuster trade to acquire Damian Lillard in a three-way deal with the Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns, the Milwaukee Bucks seemed like they became the team to beat, with a new dynamic duo in the league that could quickly turn into the NBA’s best.
Although superstars Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo have become a force to be reckoned with in Milwaukee, the duo is still learning how to play together while taking a hit on the defensive end of the basketball court.
As part of this blockbuster trade, the Bucks made the questionable move to send defensive-minded guard Jrue Holiday to Portland.
Fortunately for Holiday, he wouldn’t be staying with the Blazers and enduring a rebuilding process in the twilight of his career, as he was traded to the Boston Celtics, which sent shockwaves through the league.
Boston overtook Milwaukee as the team to beat, with the team being a juggernaut on both ends of the floor, which may pay off with an NBA title this year, which has prompted New York Knicks superstar Jalen Brunson to dub Holiday the best defender in the league via New York Basketball.
“I have the utmost respect for him…Not just one—how has he not won multiple (Defensive Player of the Year awards)?…He’s the best defender in the league,” Brunson said.
“I have the utmost respect for him…Not just one—how has he not won multiple (Defensive Player of the Year awards)?…He’s the best defender in the league…”
— Jalen Brunson says Jrue Holiday brings out the best in him
More in Taylor Rooks interview: https://t.co/4N5tCZHUG5 pic.twitter.com/salOubegjX
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) June 17, 2024
The combination of Holiday and Derrick White has resulted in the Celtics putting together the best defensive backcourt in the NBA today, which has paid off, with the duo helping the team reach the NBA Finals for the second time in three years.
Although Holiday doesn’t have multiple NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards, he might be on the verge of lifting the Larry O’Brien Trophy for a second time, which he surely prefers over regular-season awards.
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