Jrue Holiday
Two-time NBA All-Star (2013 with Philadelphia, 2023 with Milwaukee) and two-time NBA champion (2021 with Milwaukee, 2024 with Boston).
Jrue Randall Holiday (born June 12, 1990) is an American professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for one season with the UCLA Bruins before being selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2009 NBA draft with the 17th overall pick.
- All-Star Selections
- 2 selections: 2013 (with Philadelphia 76ers), 2023 (with Milwaukee Bucks)
- Defensive Reputation
- NBA All-Defensive First Team (2018), Second Team (2019)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Holiday played four seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers before being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2013. In 2020, he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks and won his first NBA championship with the team in 2021. Holiday was later traded to the Boston Celtics via the Portland Trail Blazers in 2023 and won his second NBA championship with the team in 2024 before being traded back to Portland in the 2025 offseason. Holiday is a two-time NBA All-Star and six-time NBA All-Defensive Team member. He also won a gold medal with the 2020 and 2024 U.S. Olympic teams.
In Their Own Story
On March 27, 2018, Holiday recorded 21 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds in a 107–103 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Earlier that season, on February 25, 2018, he scored 28 of his 36 points after halftime to lead the Pelicans to a 123–121 overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. In Game 4 of the 2018 first-round playoff series against the Trail Blazers, Holiday scored 41 points as the Pelicans completed a sweep with a 131–123 victory. On January 29, 2019, he had 19 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and a career-high six blocks in a 121–116 victory over the Rockets, becoming the first guard in NBA history with at least 17 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and six blocks in a game.
Reader's Guide
Holiday was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans on July 12, 2013, in exchange for Nerlens Noel and the Pelicans' 2014 first-round draft pick. He re-signed with the Pelicans on July 6, 2017, to a five-year, $126 million contract. Holiday was selected as an All-Star in 2013 (with Philadelphia) and in 2023 (with Milwaukee).
Did You Know?
- Holiday was named the 2008 Gatorade National Player of the Year.
- He recorded his first career triple-double on February 2, 2011, against the New Jersey Nets.
- Holiday scored a career-high 38 points on March 9, 2016, against the Charlotte Hornets.
- He became the first guard in NBA history with at least 17 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and six blocks in a game on January 29, 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jrue Holiday in the context of Pelicans history?
He is widely regarded as a franchise legend who served as the team's primary leader and defensive anchor during their growth period from 2013 to 2020. His presence helped establish New Orleans as a competitive force alongside Anthony Davis.
How long did Jrue Holiday play for the Pelicans?
Holiday spent seven seasons with the organization after being acquired via trade from Philadelphia in October 2013. He remained a cornerstone of the roster until his departure following the 2019-2020 campaign.
What position did Jrue Holiday play for New Orleans?
Although listed primarily as a point guard, he frequently operated at shooting guard to optimize spacing and defense within the lineup. This versatility allowed him to protect both the ball handler and the perimeter effectively.
Why is Jrue Holiday's jersey number pending retirement?
His elite two-way impact earned him four All-Star selections while wearing the Pelicans uniform, setting a high standard for future players. The franchise honors this legacy by currently listing his status as a legend with number retirement pending consideration.
What awards did Jrue Holiday win during his tenure?
Beyond his All-Star appearances, he was selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team multiple times for his relentless intensity on that end of the floor. These accolades highlight his reputation as one of the league's premier perimeter defenders during his stay in New Orleans.
More in Honours & Records
Elsewhere in the New Orleans Pelicans universe
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