The Boston Celtics had a competitive start to the 2023-24 NBA season, with Derrick White and Jrue Holiday hosting a block contest. The friendly competition from last season was the first topic of discussion inside a studio near the practice court at the Auerbach Center. Jrue, acknowledging Derrick as the winner, mentioned steals as well. The pair excels in steals, blocks, scoring big, and everything else required to win. They had an exceptional summer, winning an NBA championship, Olympic Gold, and gracing the cover of SLAM magazine. Their winning streak seems endless.
SLAM 252 featuring Derrick White and Jrue Holiday is available now.
Derrick White and Jrue Holiday excel in various roles on the court, whether it’s defense, scoring, or playmaking. Their versatility was crucial in their success on the court, be it in the NBA or representing Team USA. Derrick and Jrue seamlessly transitioned to the national team and contributed significantly to their victories. They acknowledge that their success stems from their upbringing, which emphasized service and giving back to others.
Both players have received praise for their on-court performances, with Derrick showcasing his defensive prowess and scoring abilities. Jrue, on the other hand, is known for his elite defensive skills and leadership on the court. Their unselfish play and dedication to the game have earned them recognition both on and off the court.
“Nobody else in the League can do it the same way,” Jrue says of Derrick. “He blocks shots like a big man. To me, that’s amazing. Not only having the talent, the ability, the timing to block a shot—he’s also guarding your best perimeter player, where in this League, it’s super difficult to guard anyone. To have a backcourt mate like that and know the drop-off isn’t there at all, I feel like for other people, it’s scary, but it’s exciting to know that every night is going to be a tough night for any team.
“Putting on this jersey isn’t easy. There’s a lot of pressure that comes with it,” Jrue continues. “Even the season he’s had is a testament to the work he’s put in. How he plays, how he came out and played from the beginning of the season, how he ran the team. Even starting us off in Miami, like, the first series. I mean, just cooking. That means a lot to us, but he put in the work.”
