NFL
By: Nick Andre
The Boston Celtics believe they have a great chance to repeat as NBA champions. They have years of playoff experience and finally securing a ring last season was the icing on the cake. At the start of the 2024-25 season, Boston is back in full swing and has continued to establish themselves as the best team in the Eastern Conference.
Of course, to repeat, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The two have proven to be the best duo in the NBA and continue to put the Celtics in a good position to be contenders. However, Tatum and Brown can’t do it alone. They have to have their supporting cast step in and play their role for the team to succeed.
Two key players who have played a huge role in Boston’s success are Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. Holiday and White have proven to be the perfect complements next to Tatum and Brown. The energy they bring to the floor is superior and they always show up when their number is called.
White was traded to the Celtics in 2022. Being a product of Gregg Popovich more likely gets you respect around the NBA as a high-caliber player. White was a big piece for the San Antonio Spurs in his five seasons with the organization. He played next to future Hall of Famers and played a big role in helping remain a championship contender. White’s toughness and veteran leadership was expected to play a huge role for Boston when he was traded. Truth be told, he hasn’t disappointed since his arrival two years ago.
As for Holiday, he’s a champion at heart. He’s been a valuable player in the NBA for 16 years and has been in many situations where he’s helped his team reach playoff success. Just ask former teammates like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis, Andre Iguodala, and several others. The mentality Holiday brings to the table is contagious and it allows everyone else to elevate their play.
How does Holiday stand out? Well, he’s always been known as a tenacious defender. Several guards and wings throughout the NBA in the last decade have expressed that Holiday is one of the toughest defenders that they’ve faced. As a perimeter defender, Holiday can be very physical as he uses his body to take players out of position and force them into an ill-advised play. Holiday is also active with his hands and it shows with his career.
On the road to the championship, the Celtics guards understood what they needed to do to get the job done. Of course, Holiday was in this position three years earlier as he helped the Bucks win their title. Facing the Dallas Mavericks was a tough task. Holiday and White had their hands full with the tasks of slowing down guards like Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and several other guards and wings for Dallas.
Jaylen Brown was named the Finals MVP as he averaged 21 points and 5.4 rebounds. Brown set the tone for the Celtics on both ends and put the team on his back through most of the series. However, it was contributions like Jrue Holiday putting up a stat line of 26 points and 11 rebounds followed by Derrick White who recorded 18 points and 3 steals.
The goal for Boston was for their supporting cast to outmatch Dallas’. Holiday and White made sure to do that as they continued to be effective on both ends of the floor, which is the reason behind the Celtics clinching the series in five games. This season has had the same impact. The Celtics have gotten off to a great start to the new season and its thanks in part to their two guards.
Holiday and White will continue to be X-Factors for Boston moving forward. The NBA has gotten stronger this season, and several teams can be candidates to win a championship this season. The Celtics have to defend their crown. They have to continue the legacy that was set for them and continue the standard of winning. For Boston to win another title, White and Holiday will continue to be huge pieces behind their success.
