Jrue Holiday has often been viewed as the third option on the Milwaukee Bucks, behind Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. However, Holiday is a former All-Star himself, and he is a player that steps up when necessary.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s knee injury has forced everyone else on the Milwaukee Bucks roster to contribute more and Jrue Holiday has been one of the people that has elevated himself. Charles Barkley commented on Holiday’s recent stretch and suggested that Giannis being out has “unleashed” the “aggressive” version of Jrue Holiday. Barkley’s words were reported in an article by Larry Brown.
“I hate to say this. I think the best thing that happened to the Milwaukee Bucks was Giannis getting hurt,” Barkley said.
“Because they have unleashed Jrue Holiday — the aggressive Jrue Holiday. I think he is going to be fantastic in the Finals against Chris Paul. If Giannis is 85-90 percent, I’m going to go with Milwaukee.”
There is no doubt that the Milwaukee Bucks will need Jrue Holiday at his best to unleash the best version of themselves, and his defense on Chris Paul will certainly be key. There is also the question of whether they have enough without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jrue Holiday will need to step to the challenge regardless, but his important becomes magnified if Antetokounmpo remains out with injury.
