Jrue Holiday confirms SHOCKING retirement updates, Milwaukee Bucks guard says he “feels very strongly about it”
Jrue Holiday's contract expires in two years.
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Jrue Holiday for the Milwaukee Bucks (Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)
The Milwaukee Bucks have certainly had a shocking end to their NBA 2022-23 season. The dominance of the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference turned to dust in their first round of playoffs. Outplayed by the Miami Heat, Giannis Antetokounmpo and co. head back home early with criticism looming over their heads. The anticlimactic finale to their campaign stings significantly for those in Green and White. In fact, amidst a heavy season departure, the Bucks’ key piece Jrue Holiday made some comments about his potential retirement.
Jrue Holiday has been a formidable guard for the Milwaukee Bucks ever since 2020. He has averaged 19.3 points this season while securing 5.1 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game. Known for being a defensive hound, his presence on that end of the court has been crucial for the Bucks’ recent success. However, speaking on the ‘Point Forward’ podcast, he made some revelations about his plans for retirement and thoughts on ‘when he’s done.’
Jrue Holiday‘s contract with the Milwaukee Bucks is supposed to expire in another two years. Speaking on the ‘Point Forward podcast’ to another NBA veteran Andre Iguodala, Holiday revealed that he didn’t really have plans to extend or sign elsewhere. When Iguodala asked him about when will he be done, the guard said, “It’s funny coz my wife (and I) had this conversation two days ago. I think it was two days ago. She was like ‘Are you serious after this contract? Are you serious about retiring?’ I’m like yes. I feel very strongly about it.“
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Do the Milwaukee Bucks have any backup plans for Jrue Holiday?
On November 24, 2020, Holiday was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a four-team trade involving the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder, in which the Pelicans acquired Eric Bledsoe, Steven Adams, and draft compensation. Jrue Holiday has been quite a decent point guard for the Bucks. He has featured in over 193 games since his arrival in Milwaukee. He also averages about 18.5 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 193 games for the Bucks in his career.
His absence is bound to create a hole in the roster, as he’s been a perfect blend of experience and skill for them. As of now, the Bucks have two guards who come off the bench; Wesley Matthews and Pat Connaughton. Matthews has played in the league for over 13 years and averages 3.4 points per game. Connaughton, the younger of the two, just finished his seventh season and averages 7.6 points per game. Although they both play fewer minutes compared to Holiday, in case of his departure, the Bucks need a more high-scoring pair of guards.
It is not unlikely that Milwaukee will look to make some trades and changes to their roster. After their stinging series loss to Miami, many are speculating that the first change would be in the coaching staff. However, in case of Holiday’s departure, they would also look to acquire seasoned guards.
While there are many options available, fans speculate about the inclusion of Damian Lillard following his hint at wanting to play with Giannis Antetokounmpo. The speculations and rumors will keep coming; however, it will only be in time when we find out how the Bucks roll for their upcoming seasons.
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Ritvik Malhotra
(1085 Articles Published)