The Boston Celtics franchise has to be pleased with how the summer is going, as it got started with its 18th NBA championship and now three of its players are playing for Team USA during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Celtics have Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White in key roles on Team USA, with Tatum drawing the start in the most recent win against Puerto Rico.
White, despite being a late addition to the squad after Kawhi Leonard stepped away, has fit in nicely as a secondary playmaker, defender and outside shooter.
Yet, Holiday has arguably been the best of the three, as U.S. head coach Steve Kerr has liked his fit in the starting group alongside LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Joel Embiid.
However, Holiday sat out the recent victory against Puerto Rico with a sprained ankle he suffered in the previous group game against South Sudan.
Despite the injury, Kerr revealed that Holiday will be able to return for the upcoming quarterfinals, via Marc J. Spears of Andscape.
“USA coach Steve Kerr says Jrue Holiday (ankle) will play Tuesday vs. Brazil,” Spears reported.
USA coach Steve Kerr says Jrue Holiday (ankle) will play Tuesday vs Brazil.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) August 3, 2024
This is great news for Holiday, who has been the best perimeter defender on Team USA and has even provided some much-needed offense in certain situations.
It appears that holding him out against Puerto Rico was just a precaution, a smart move considering that Team USA had already qualified for the elimination rounds.
With Holiday back in the fold, the Americans should be considered massive favorites over Brazil and able to advance to the semifinals.
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