3 reasons Raptors must trade for Jrue Holiday after Damian Lillard miss

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 05: Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks over the defense during the first half of the game against the Toronto Raptors at Fiserv Forum on January 05, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Raptors defeated the Bucks 117-111. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /

2 of 3

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – MARCH 19: Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks blocks the shot on O.G. Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /

2. Holiday plays amazing defense

While Holiday can still get a bucket, the main reason he was able to play a role as Robin (or Nightwing, if he’s the No. 3 option) alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo was his tremendous on-ball defense. Nick Nurse might be gone, but Ujiri wants to build a monster on the defensive side.

The All-Defensive Team member has averaged 1.5 steals per game at a fairly consistent rate throughout his career, but that only tells half of his defensive story. In terms of on-ball defense, it’s not unreasonable to say that Holiday might be the best in the league at his position.

Jrue Holiday would remain an elite defender for the Toronto Raptors.

Even if the Raptors lose a player like favorite trade chip OG Anunoby, replacing him with Holiday could keep this unit connected and dominant. With his muscular build and long arms, Holiday has emerged as a player who can overwhelm and shut down an opposing ball-handler in the backcourt.

Holiday’s defense has only improved with age, and everything suggests that he can be just as effective in 2023-24 and beyond. The Raptors would be unwise to wholly discard the remnants of Nick Nurse’s scheme, as Holiday will be able to make Toronto a defensive team that can make up for offensive shortcomings.

Home/Raptors News