Critics and bookmakers are not that high on Portland Trailblazers’ new season, with one popular sportsbook ranking them 26th (or tied for 23rd) when it comes to odds to win the NBA title. Jrue Holiday wants to change that narrative.
The two-time NBA champion was traded to the Blazers from the Boston Celtics last July and then was followed after by Damian Lillard’s return to the team following his two failed seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, also Holiday’s former organization.
Lillard won’t be able to play to recover from the ACL injury he suffered in the first round of the playoffs but for Holiday, his return is enough for the Rip City fans to feel excited.
“Goal is to win,” Holiday during an interview with RG.
“The goal is to win and to make some noise. I think that after the last few years of what has happened after Damian Lillard being traded — and then now Dame’s back — I think it’s an exciting time here in Portland. It’s an exciting time to be a Trail Blazer, and I’m excited to be part of it.”
Blazers added veterans in the squad but it is still generally a young team. The oldest player next to Holiday is Jerami Grant at 31 years old.
Jrue Holiday predicts Scoot an Sharpe to make a leap
Blazers has three players selected inside the Top 10 in the last four draft events. Two of them are Scoot Henderson (3rd overall in 2023) and Shaedon Sharpe (7th overall in 2022). The duo is who Holiday points to as players Rip City can be excited about.
“I feel like winning and competing and showing these guys that have so much talent,” Holiday said.
“I don’t think y’all understand like Scoot [Henderson] and Shaedon [Sharpe] are so athletic and so smart the way that they play the game.”
He added that they will become good players in the future but they will need time, which to him should start now.
“I feel like the time is now, because they have all the tools. I’m super excited to play with them.”
Other young players in the team are Donovan Clingan who they drafted seventh overall last year and rookie Cedric Coward who they picked 11th in the last draft. Toumani Camara found his niche last season as a 52nd overall pick while Deni Avdija is only 24 and had a splendid performance in EuroBasket 2025.
These young guys have two mentors in Holiday and Lillard who according to head coach Chauncey Billups will be the most expensive assistant coach ($42 million per year) as he focuses on his recovery.
For the latest Basketball Content
Make sure you are always updated on your favorite basketball players and teams. Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for the latest and trending news about NBA, college basketball, and more. Stay updated by reading more of our NBA articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
