The Boston Celtics have been forced to make significant moves this NBA offseason, driven by salary cap management and long-term roster planning. The starting point was an unfortunate injury to Jayson Tatum, which signaled the need for structural changes. Among the biggest casualties of the reshuffling was Jrue Holiday, whose departure left a notable void—one that Derrick White has publicly addressed.
In late June, the Celtics traded Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers, ironically sending him back to the city he briefly called home before his 2023 arrival in Boston. The two-time All-Star made a massive impact in Beantown, helping the Celtics capture their record-setting 18th NBA championship less than a year after joining the franchise.
Holiday now brings his championship pedigree to Portland, a city still searching for its first NBA title since 1977. Meanwhile, White must move forward without his veteran backcourt partner as Boston heads into a new season marked by uncertainty.
Speaking on the White Noise Podcast, White acknowledged how much the Celtics will feel Holiday’s absence. “We’ll definitely miss him,” White said. “You can’t really replace a Jrue Holiday.”
Together, White and Holiday formed arguably the NBA’s most formidable defensive backcourt last season. Both earned spots on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2024 and routinely shut down opposing guards with physicality and discipline.
White also credited Holiday for his own offensive breakout, noting how the veteran guard was willing to take a step back and let others thrive. “Jrue allowed me to be me,” White explained. “Allowed me to kind of step into my own and do what I do.” He also highlighted Holiday’s all-around game and versatility as a major asset to the team.
White will now be tasked with elevating his game even further if the Celtics hope to remain NBA contenders. Boston not only lost Holiday this offseason but also saw starting center Kristaps Porzingis and backup big man Luke Kornet depart. To make matters worse, Tatum is now sidelined indefinitely with an Achilles injury, adding even more pressure on the remaining core.