Memphis Grizzlies Codexery

Jrue Holiday

Two-time champion and elite defender who played for Philadelphia, New Orleans, Milwaukee, Boston, and Portland.

Jrue Holiday is an American professional basketball player currently with the Portland Trail Blazers. Born on June 12, 1990, he played one season of college basketball for UCLA before being selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the 17th overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft. After four seasons in Philadelphia, he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2013. His career includes winning an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 and a second title with the Boston Celtics in 2024 before returning to Portland in the 2025 offseason. A two-time All-Star and six-time All-Defensive Team member, Holiday also secured gold medals with the U.S. Olympic teams in 2020 and 2024.

Draft Pick
17th overall (2009)
College Team
UCLA Bruins
High School
Campbell Hall School
All-Star Selections
2
All-Defensive Teams
6
NBA Championships
2 (2021, 2024)
Olympic Gold Medals
2 (2020, 2024)

Verified Timeline

19741990200820092011201320142015201620192020202120242025

Lore & Background

Holiday's professional journey began in Philadelphia, where he set career highs early, including a 35-point game against the New York Knicks in January 2013. That same month, he became the youngest All-Star in franchise history at age 22. In 2013, he moved to the Pelicans, trading Nerlens Noel and a draft pick for his services. His time there was marked by resilience; after missing significant time due to a stress fracture in 2014 and an orbital wall fracture in 2016, he returned to post career highs of 38 points against Charlotte and 41 points in the playoffs against Portland. Notably, on January 29, 2019, he became the first guard in NBA history with at least 17 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and six blocks in a single game. In December 2019, he made history again when he played alongside his brothers Justin and Aaron of the Indiana Pacers, forming the first trio of brothers to share an NBA court simultaneously.

In Their Own Story

The 2020–21 season with the Milwaukee Bucks defined Holiday's championship pedigree. Traded to Milwaukee in a four-team deal on November 24, 2020, he quickly became a defensive anchor, averaging 1.63 steals per game. In the playoffs, his impact was decisive; during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against Miami, with the Bucks facing a potential 3–0 deficit, Holiday hit a go-ahead layup with 11.4 seconds remaining to secure an 86–83 victory. He later led the team to the Finals with 27 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against Atlanta. In Game 5 of the NBA Finals against Phoenix, he contributed significantly as the Bucks secured their first title since 1974. Years later, he added a second ring with Boston in 2024 before returning to Portland.

Reader's Guide

Holiday's statistical milestones include scoring his 5,000th career point on January 5, 2015, and recording his first triple-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists against the New Jersey Nets on February 2, 2011. He later recorded a second triple-double in 2013 against Phoenix. His defensive prowess is highlighted by being named to the NBA All-Defensive Team six times. In college, he averaged 8.5 points and 3.7 assists per game for UCLA before turning pro. High school accolades included being named the 2008 Gatorade National Player of the Year and a Parade first-team All-American while leading Campbell Hall School to a state title.

Did You Know?

More in Legendary Players & Coaches

Related in Memphis Grizzlies

Links follow this subject's own source article.

Elsewhere in the Memphis Grizzlies universe

Open in the interactive codex →