Jrue Holiday has had one of the best summers most would dream of, from winning both the NBA championship with the Boston Celtics and the gold medal with Team USA at the Olympics. Despite his achievements, he revealed at a “Raising Cane’s” event that winning the NBA championship was more rewarding than helping Team USA win the gold medal.
His presence made up what was part of a powerful Team USA “avengers” lineup that included MVP LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Jayson Tatum, among others. The team went undefeated throughout the tournament, but Holiday’s experience of winning the NBA championship was more fulfilling.
The medal in Paris was cool. It was against France so it was literally like us against the world. But winning here was amazing. I’m not sure anything tops that. Winning here in Boston. The crowd, the shot Payton hit. It was all just so overwhelming.
Jrue Holiday said at Raising Cane’s event
Jrue Holiday was asked which was a wilder celebration: Winning the championship in Boston or The Gold Medal in Paris.
“Winning here was amazing. I’m not sure anything tops that. Winning here in Boston. The crowd, the shot Payton hit. It was all just so overwhelming.” pic.twitter.com/GpXgfQN3I8
— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) August 28, 2024
Holiday’s preference for the NBA championship over the Olympic gold medal may come as a surprise to some, as it seemed more special to scoring legend Carmelo Anthony. However, for Jrue Holiday, the feeling of winning the Larry O’Brien trophy was more rewarding, possibly due to the intense competition and physical demands of the NBA playoffs.
Furthermore, with the Celtics returning the same roster next season, including a healthy Kristaps Porzingis, once he has fully recovered from his surgery, there’s a possibility for another championship run. It may seem like the Paris edition was his last as by the time the 2028 Games comes to LA, he might not be the defensive stalwart fans love and know.
Jrue Holiday weighs in on Jayson Tatum’s limited playing time at Olympics
The most talked about debate keeps coming due to Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum’s limited playing minutes at the Paris 2024 Olympics. It’s worth noting that despite coming off his first NBA Championship, Tatum averaged only 5.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game in the four games he played.
Jayson Tatum was limited to inconsistent rotation minutes and two DNPs in the Serbia matchups which have continually raised eyebrows, but teammate Jrue Holiday has come to his defense. Holiday praised Tatum’s professionalism and resilience throughout the competition, citing his impressive resume and young age.
I think everybody knows JT. He’s the ultimate professional. He knows what it is, what the ultimate goal is. I don’t think he needed any encouragement. I think it’s more so like staying ready whenever it’s his time to be called.
Jrue Holiday said at a Raising Cane’s event
Jrue Holiday mentioned that he didn’t feel the need to discuss playing time with Jayson Tatum during the Olympics, and
that the ultimate goal was just winning gold.“I think everybody knows JT. He’s the ultimate professional. He knows what it is, what the ultimate goal is.” pic.twitter.com/M20CVJuQ2W
— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) August 28, 2024
Holiday’s comments highlight Tatum’s character and dedication to the sport, even in the face of adversity. At just 26 years old, Tatum has already achieved significant success, and his major focus now would be to help the C’s retain their NBA crown.
