Jrue Holiday’s Surprising Practice Opponent
In a recent appearance on FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back,” Jrue Holiday, known for his impressive defensive skills among guards, revealed an unexpected revelation regarding his toughest practice opponent during his tenure with the Boston Celtics. Despite sharing the court with elite players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, as well as sharpshooters such as Derrick White and Sam Hauser, Holiday cited Payton Pritchard as the most challenging teammate to guard.
“It might be Payton,” Holiday remarked, reflecting on a particular full-court drill he participated in.
He described Pritchard’s playing style, noting that his quickness, skillful ball handling, and low center of gravity made him a formidable opponent.
“He would just be going crazy. Speed, handle, low to the ground, stops on a dime, and he can shoot it,” Holiday elaborated, indicating that Pritchard’s combination of attributes posed significant challenges.
Pritchard’s Rising Star
Last season, Pritchard showcased his talent on the court, achieving career-high averages in key statistics including 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and a shooting percentage of 47.2%. His impressive performance earned him the title of Sixth Man of the Year, and there’s speculation that he could take on a starting role in the upcoming season.
With Jayson Tatum sidelined by injury and key players like Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford likely leaving the team, Pritchard’s role will be critical for Boston’s success in the next NBA season.
Team Ambitions and Future Prospects
In an interview on the Celtics Talk Podcast, he emphasized the team’s collective ambition, stating,
“Everybody in that locker room will have the goal of competing for a championship.”
Meanwhile, Holiday has transitioned to the Portland Trail Blazers following a trade in which Anfernee Simons moved to Boston. The upcoming season will see Pritchard vying for starting guard duties alongside Derrick White, as he aims to build on his recent achievements and contribute to the Celtics’ championship aspirations.
