Jrue Holiday joined a stacked, star-studded USA Basketball roster aiming to dominate the 2024 Paris Olympics this summer in hopes of returning with a gold medal.
The opportunity itself to play alongside LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, plus Boston Celtics teammates Jayson Tatum and Derrick White is rewarding enough for Holiday. But the 34-year-old, fresh off an NBA Finals victory, still understands there’s a goal for Team USA to reach and Holiday is willing to do whatever it takes.
“What I want my role to be? It’s literally whatever the team needs,” Holiday explained, per USA Basketball. “I’m not selfish, I don’t need much. I think I want to go out there and support the team however I can and ultimately win gold. That means playing defense. If it’s knocking down shots, if it’s offensive rebounding, defensive rebounding. Literally whatever. I think just having this experience, playing with so many talented guys, playing against some of the best teams and players in the world, is something that I’ll cherish forever.”
When the Celtics acquired Holiday last offseason, the situation was fairly identical. Boston was entering a win-now situation approaching the 2023-24 season, and Holiday, an already proven champion, was tasked with buying into the roster’s selfless mindset. In tandem with White in the backcourt, Holiday formed a fierce defensive duo while shooting lights out from the 3-point corner (over 58% from both corners) throughout the regular season.
Boston accomplished its mission by securing the franchise’s record-setting 18th title, making Holiday a two-time NBA Finals champion, and boosting the 15-year veteran’s Hall of Fame case. Holiday’s debut season with the Celtics even prompted the front office and ownership to reward him with a four-year, $135 million extension before the playoffs.
With the celebratory confetti and champagne all cleaned up from TD Garden’s Game 5 scene, Holiday had little time for a breather. He’s now back in must-win mode with a roster filled with fellow Finals winners all looking to play up to the roster’s hype. It’s a chance that Holiday isn’t taking for granted.
“To hear that I’m a two-time Olympian is a blessing,” Holiday said, per USA Basketball. “It took me 12 years to get my first gold medal and now I’m here in my second (Olympics) at 34 (years old) and it’s amazing.”
Most recently, Team USA improved to 3-0 after defeating Serbia, 105-79, on Wednesday in their third exhibition matchup. Getting the start, Holiday played 21 minutes and scored eight points on 3-of-4 shooting from the field with two rebounds, two assists — including a flashy no-look pass to Curry — and one steal.
Team USA is set to continue its exhibition tour on Saturday against South Sudan in London.
