Paul Pierce Points Out Striking Resemblance Between Jrue Holiday & 3x NBA Champion: “Potential Hall of Famer”

Is Jrue Holiday a potential Hall of Famer? There are many questions surrounding the 34-year-old after he won his second NBA title in his first year with two different teams. Regarding his career and the possibility of making it to the Hall of Fame, 10-time NBA All-Star Paul Pierce pointed out the uncanny similarity between Holiday and a 3-time NBA champion and Celtics star.

During the latest episode of “The Truth Lounge,” Pierce and Jason Crowe discussed how Holiday is one of the most “important” players for the Celtics, if not the “best.” Holiday’s performance in the Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 against the Pacers and the Finals Game 2 showcased what the 2x NBA All-Star is capable of, scoring 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists. Speaking of his capabilities, Pierce believes that the 34-year-old’s playing style is similar to that of Dennis Johnson.

“Jrue Holiday is Jrue Holiday,” he said of Holiday’s comparisons against Marcus Smart while initially joining the Celtics. “He a champ. He a Potential Hall of Famer experienced and his IQ?? Off the charts I think his role what it is right now the Celtics is the perfect role. It sorta reminds me of that Dennis Johnson role,” Pierce said on the show.

During the multiple trades this season, Jrue Holiday was brought in for Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams III, while Kristaps Porzingis was traded to the Celtics, guard Marcus Smart. Holiday was believed to be a perfect fit as a point guard replacing Smart, and a good addition as a two-way player to complement the talent on the roster. And he did not disappoint. The 34-year-old also went on to sign a four-year, $135 million contract extension with the Celtics, backing his impact.

But who is Johnson and is Holiday’s game similar to what the Celtics legend accomplished on the court?

Is Dennis Johnson’s defensive dominance similar to Jrue Holiday’s?

Throughout his 13-year NBA career with the Seattle SuperSonics, Phoenix Suns, and Boston Celtics, the 3x NBA champ Johnson developed from a mediocre player into one of the league’s most remarkable defensive guards. In 2010, Johnson was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame. His defensive prowess helped his former teams survive playoffs and secure victories. In 1979, Johnson led the Seattle SuperSonics to victory in the NBA Finals, earning the NBA Finals MVP, an accolade that Holiday has yet to achieve. 

Despite his stellar performance, Holiday did not win the MVP title this year. Jalen Brown secured the title instead. However, as argued by The Truth, Holiday is one of the most important players leading the Boston Celtics toward their 18th championship title. He has earned a reputation as an outstanding defender. 

During the Milwaukee Bucks’ victory against the Phoenix Suns in 2021, the former UCLA Bruins star’s excellent defense against Chris Paul played a crucial role. Subsequently traded to the Celtics, Holiday bolstered their competitiveness alongside Jayson Tatum and Brown, ultimately securing his second NBA title. No wonder Jrue’s game reminded Pierce of the 3x NBA champion.

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