3 reasons why Sixers should go after Trail Blazers’ Jrue Holiday
The Philadelphia 76ers, like the rest of the NBA, are preparing for the 2023-24 season with training camp set to begin on Oct. 3. The Eastern Conference just got a lot tougher with the Milwaukee Bucks acquiring Damian Lillard to team up with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.
To acquire Lillard, the Bucks sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers which means that Holiday is now likely available. The Blazers are going to focus more on their young guard Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons which opens the door for a Holiday trade.
Without thinking about the logistics of making a deal like that happen, here are three reasons why Philadelphia should be all-in on bringing Holiday back to the City of Brotherly Love:
Perimeter defense
This goes without saying, but Holiday is one of the best defenders in the league out on the perimeter. He has been named to the All-Defensive First Team three times and the All-Defensive Second Team twice. He made a big difference for Team USA in the Tokyo Summer Olympics as his defensive presence helped them win the gold medal. He would be a big help for the Sixers on the defensive end and set the tone.
Championship experience
Having won a title with the Bucks in 2021, Holiday understands what it takes to get to the mountaintop in the NBA. That experience would do wonders for this current group which has had a ton of trouble getting past the semifinals. That calming influence and leadership would go a long way for the Sixers in the postseason.
Another ball-handler
Holiday is not the playmaker James Harden is, but what he does do is take care of the ball and run the offense smoothly. He averaged 7.4 assists in the 2022-23 season and turned the ball over 2.9 times. Harden averaged 3.4 turnovers along with his league-leading 10.7 assists in 2022-23. Having Holiday around would cover up what Tyrese Maxey doesn’t bring to the table and Philadelphia would be able to run things smoothly with him on the floor.
