Jrue Holiday played a key role in helping Team USA win the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. He averaged 25.8 minutes per game (second-most on the team), averaged 11.8 points per game (third-most), and led the team with 3.8 assists per game. Elite perimeter defense.
Steve Kerr and USA Basketball are “aggressively” recruiting the Celtics’ new guard as they hope to have Holiday back for next summer’s Paris Olympics. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports..
U.S. Basketball officials use the word “beloved” to describe Holiday, who they consider to be the second most influential player on the 2021 gold medal-winning team behind Kevin Durant. Although Team USA struggled defensively at this summer’s FIBA World Championship in the Philippines, Holliday’s on-ball defense, playmaking and leadership are among the factors driving recruitment for USA Basketball.
It is not yet determined whether Holiday will play.
He could be in the starting lineup for Team USA next summer. Joel Embiid says he wants to play for the U.S. national team — Fills a huge need in the paint — Plus, Durant, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Devin Booker, Bam Adebayo, Donovan Mitchell and other stars on Paris’ roster next summer He says he hopes to. Not all of these stars will be out due to injuries or players who will carry the team late in the postseason, but many top players have expressed interest.
With this much star power, they need players with glue. Holiday is an All-Star and two-time NBA champion, while on Team USA he does a little bit of everything and serves as the elite glue that keeps the team running smoothly. He would be a great addition if he wants to spend part of the offseason in France.