PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The Portland Trail Blazers are setting their sights on victory with the addition of two-time NBA champion and Olympic gold medalist Jrue Holiday.
General Manager Joe Cronin emphasized that it’s “winning time” for the team, and bringing in Holiday is a crucial part of that strategy.
“I feel like that’s always been the ultimate goal ever since you started playing basketball as a win,” said Holiday, a two-time NBA All-Star.
He expressed his commitment to the team’s success, stating, “Whatever that may look like, obviously taking small wins is great, but winning is what we do, is what we play this game for. So, if it’s getting to the playoffs, if it’s winning a championship, I feel like winning is the purpose and the reason why I’m here.”
Holiday joins the Blazers following the trade of Anfernee Simons. He enters a team that is the second youngest in the league and is enthusiastic about the youthful energy.
“You can tell they give 110% every time they play, so I’m super excited. If it’s mentor them, but just kind of play the game, you know, be able to go out here and show the world not just my talent, but theirs, and just from playing against them, they have a long road ahead. They’re going to have a very long career,” Holiday said.
Looking ahead, Holiday is eager to reunite with his friend and former Olympic teammate Damian Lillard.
“To be able to play with him on the same team is something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and even before I left New Orleans, that was something that I’ve always wanted to do. So being able to do it back here, and especially with the team that Damian has really put on his back for a long time, is really cool,” he said.