2023 NBA All-Star reserve selection Jrue Holiday: Team, stats, contract, family
Considered to be one of the NBA’s best two-way players, the Bucks star doesn’t have a collection of awards, but his recent All-Star nod shows times are changing.
A critical piece of the puzzle for the Milwaukee Bucks, Jrue Holiday is part of arguably one of the best trios in the NBA, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton completing the triangle, yet this coming weekend he will be making only his second NBA All-Star Game performance.
Jrue Holiday was surprised to be selected for All-Star Game
To hear Jrue Holiday tell it, a selection for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game was so far from his mind, that when the league announced the rosters - Holiday has been named as a reserve - he was busy watching the latest “Minions” movie with his children. Indeed, it was his wife, Lauren, who pushed him to change the channel to TNT, at which point the Bucks guard was shocked to learn that he has been chosen for the big game. “I was, for sure, surprised,” Holiday said during a chat with NBA.com. “But it was a good surprise.”
For us on the other hand, we’re not sure why it would come as a shock to Holiday. Consider for a moment, that the Bucks 39-17 record - 2nd best in the East - is in no small part due to the efforts of Holiday, who has been on an average of 19.1 points per game. Add that to his defense and leadership and well, you’ve got yourself an All-Star. Yet, curiously, the guard has not made an appearance since 2013 in what was his last season with the 76ers. Since that time, it’s safe to say that a lot has changed in terms of how he’s viewed in the league. From his stint in New Orleans (2013-20) and his present tenure in Milwaukee, he’s one of the best in the business when it comes to the two-way game.
Why was Jrue Holiday surprised to be selected for the All-Star Game?
In a seemingly apathetic conversation, Holiday alluded to the idea of chasing excellence rather than success, while acknowledging that it does feel good to have your efforts acknowledged. “I’m not here for the accolades. At the beginning of the season, my goal wasn’t to be an All-Star. It was to get in a groove, be on a good team and get myself prepared for the season to win the best we can. But it’s cool to see other coaches and players recognize your talent and all the hard work you put in because I know they go through the same thing. It’s an honor. There are only seven reserve spots, and coaches always agonize which players they select at the expense of others.”
Interestingly, Holiday also went on to discuss the fact that it’s been some time since his last appearance in an All-Star Game. “Honestly, I just care about working hard and making my stamp in the league. I feel like coming to Milwaukee was one of the best things that happened to me in my career. Obviously, we won a championship (in 2021). Then I went to Japan and won a gold medal (at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics). But this organization, my teammates - Giannis and Khris being the pillars of our team - playing with them has been really fun. Being here has been a joy. I’ve been glad to be here.”
Family is central for Jrue Holiday
If there is one thing that’s been key to his success, it’s the support that his family - especially his wife - have offered. Quite frankly, Holiday and his wife have a well-documented history of working with the less fortunate, something that has made their bond stronger. Speaking about the work they have done through the Bucks’ foundation, he explained how they partner with Kohler to provide kitchen sets and flooring at various shelters.
“It wasn’t just a woman’s shelter. There were other shelters. Sometimes you’re stressed out when you go to a shelter. A shower is a very important part to help. You can go there and relax and clear your mind. The Bucks donated, and then we ended up matching. That provides a comfortable life. For people that are in shelters and the reasons why they’re in there, sometimes it’s for scary reasons. Doing something for shelters is something that was important to do. They’re able to get away, clear their minds and be mentally strong.” In total, in working with the Bucks’ Foundation and Kohler, the Holidays were able to complete approximately $250,000 worth of upgrades to The Women’s Center, Hope House and Sojourner Family Peace Center.
What’s Jrue Holiday’s contract situation?
Just last November, Jrue Holiday signed a 4-year contract with the Milwaukee Bucks that is worth $134,997,333. The contract is fully guaranteed and offers an annual salary of $33,749,333. What that means, is that in during this 2022-23, NBA season, Holiday will earn a base salary of $32,544,000, while carrying a cap hit of $33,665,040 and a dead cap value of $32,544,000. With his future now tied to the Bucks for the next four years, perhaps we will finally start to see him receiving the credit he clearly deserves, starting with this weekend’s NBA All-Star Game.