Jrue Holiday Returns to Boston, Receives Hero’s Welcome in Emotional Night
Jrue Holiday may have switched uniforms, but in Boston, he’s still family.
The Trail Blazers guard made his return to TD Garden on Monday night, and the city that watched him help hang Banner 18 in the rafters didn’t hold back. From the moment he appeared on the scoreboard during warmups to the standing ovation that followed a tribute video of his championship highlights - including that unforgettable image of him clutching the 2024 NBA trophy - the love was loud and clear.
“Brought back good times,” Holiday said after Portland’s 102-94 loss to the Celtics. “Something like that -- for me, it felt like it was like that every single game. You play hard for this team and this city, and they definitely have your back.”
Holiday’s time in Boston was short but unforgettable. Acquired in a blockbuster deal just before the 2023-24 season, he brought his signature two-way intensity and veteran leadership to a Celtics team that had been knocking on the door for years. With Holiday in the backcourt, Boston finally broke through, capturing its 18th championship and tying the Lakers for the most in NBA history.
But success comes at a price, especially in the NBA’s new financial landscape. In the offseason, the Celtics were forced to move both Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to avoid the league’s second apron luxury tax. It was a tough call, but one that reflected the harsh realities of roster-building in the modern era.
This season was expected to be a transitional one for Boston, especially with Jayson Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles injury. But the Celtics have exceeded expectations, sitting atop the Atlantic Division and holding the No. 2 seed in the East. There’s even growing optimism that Tatum could return in time for a postseason push.
Holiday, meanwhile, has had to navigate his own challenges. A right calf strain sidelined him for two months, and he’s still on a minutes restriction since returning two weeks ago.
On Monday night, he logged 14 points in 24 minutes, showing flashes of the same poise and control that made him such a vital piece of Boston’s title run. After the final buzzer, he shared hugs and handshakes with his former teammates - a reunion that felt more like a family gathering than a postgame ritual.
“It’s just like family. There’s a normalcy to it,” Holiday said.
“You spend so much time with them that they become family and then just all of a sudden you’re on a different team. So it’s always good to see them.”
Holiday’s been around the league long enough to know how quickly things change. Drafted by the Sixers, he’s made stops in New Orleans, Milwaukee, and Boston before landing in Portland. But for Rob Williams III, the trade that sent him to the Blazers in exchange for Holiday was his first - and it hit hard.
“Everybody’s first trade is just kind of a rough one,” Williams said.
Williams, who was drafted and developed by Boston, had to watch from afar as his former teammates raised the Larry O’Brien Trophy - a bittersweet experience for any competitor.
“I watched the whole finals. I watched them win it.
Me and my girl,” he said. “I went through a moment of saying I was happy for my dogs.
Then I went through ‘F’ ‘em,’ you know what I’m saying? It was mixed emotions, but I’m glad they did it for sure.”
That’s the emotional rollercoaster of the NBA - trades, titles, and the ties that don’t break just because a player changes jerseys. Holiday may be in Portland now, but in Boston, he’ll always be remembered as a champion.