Celtics’ Jrue Holiday Dealing With ‘Dead Arm’

Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday told NBA reporter Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe that he’s dealing with a “dead arm.”

Holiday has a right arm injury. 

“But Jrue Holiday said Friday that his absence is about more than simply being cautious,” Himmelsbach wrote. “The point guard missed his third consecutive game Friday due to a sprained right shoulder joint he says he suffered when he was hit on a screen during the Celtics’ win over the Wizards on Sunday, and he told the Globe he has been experiencing ‘dead arm.’ ‘I’m feeling something, for sure,’ Holiday said.

“Holiday said he has been receiving medical treatment, but rest is the primary elixir. He believes he is making progress, but does not have a timeline for his return.”

The Celtics have the best record in the NBA at 56-14. Holiday is averaging 12.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.8 blocks with Boston while shooting 48.5% from the field, 44.5% from beyond the arc and 83.3% from the free-throw line. 

One of the top two-way players in the NBA, Holiday helped the Bucks win the 2021 championship over the Phoenix Suns in six games. The Celtics lost the 2022 Finals to the Golden State Warriors in six games. The team is hopeful that Holiday is the missing piece to a title. 

During the first episode of his podcast with former NBA guard JJ Redick, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James said the Celtics got Holiday for “a bag of lays potato chips.”

The Milwaukee Bucks traded Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in the blockbuster Damian Lillard trade. The Blazers then traded Holiday to the Celtics for Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams and draft picks. 

Holiday and Chauncey Billups spoke to NBA reporter Jared Weiss of The Athletic about their conversation after the Bucks traded Holiday to the Blazers. Billups, the head coach in Portland, supported Holiday’s wish to not play for the Blazers and join a winning team.