Jrue Holiday has not played a game for the Portland Trail Blazers since November 14. Portland has won four games since then, clearly showing that Holiday’s impact is key to dealing with the Blazers’ issues. It also exposes some of the problems with acting head coach Tiago Splitter’s system.

Jrue Holiday’s Absence Highlights the Trail Blazers’ Issues

Coming into the 2025-26 NBA season, Blazers fans were concerned about the dynamic between Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson. It was a classic case of a decorated veteran guard competing for the same spot as a young star.

A starting spot was up for grabs, but Henderson’s injury dealt a significant blow to the Blazers’ plans. Initially, Holiday’s impact was superb, averaging 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game.

Unfortunately, Holiday also sustained an injury that has kept him out for the past 11 games. The lack of a true point guard has compounded the Blazers’ ailing offense.

The Blazers’ Issues are Under the Spotlight

The Blazers are usually a team with good point guard play. From 2012 to 2023, Portland enjoyed having Damian Lillard as the lead guard. After he left for two years, the Blazers had Henderson and Anfernee Simons as point guards.

Before the 2025-26 season even started, the offense already had some red flags. The Blazers lacked a sharpshooter, which is essential for being a good team today.

Toumani Camara : Season-high 21 points on 7-12 shooting, 6-10 from 3, 1-4 from the FT line & 7 rebounds in 36 minutes pic.twitter.com/QYXYt8ofNv

— Lee Harvey (@Sayian_Warrior) December 3, 2025

 

To start the year, Holiday’s skills as a floor general shone, as the offense was quite solid. With his absence, the Blazers are down all of their active point guards. Henderson, Holiday, Lillard, and Blake Wesley are all sidelined with injuries.

Deni Avdija has done a fantastic job of filling in as the primary point ball-handler and playmaker. The Blazers’ breakout star is averaging 7.7 assists per game while Holiday has been absent. However, he is not a natural floor general who can maximize everyone on the floor.

Holiday’s Impact Has Not Gone Unnoticed

As a veteran, Holiday has experienced almost everything that an NBA player can go through. He has overcome plenty of struggles, but he has also succeeded with two championships to his name.

With that kind of experience, he is a valuable piece for the Blazers. In the past few months, the Blazers have come to respect Holiday’s leadership. While Lillard is out, Holiday is the most respected voice in the lineup. Lillard still leads in the locker room, but Holiday was clearly influential.

Offensively, the playmaking and reliable scoring were significant for Portland. Holiday regularly popped up with clutch shots, and he made the right play often.

Defensively, Holiday is still a fantastic matchup for any player. He might be older, but he still matches up well with opposing point guards and even wings. With Holiday’s impact, the Blazers want him healthy and contributing.

Splitter’s System Needs to Improve

Aside from the lack of a point guard, the coaching staff should improve. While Splitter is taking the job on short notice, he should be more imaginative with his offense.

The Blazers have the talent to execute plays, but they are more reliant on isolation and a drive-and-kick style. Avdija has done well with this, as he can be as physical as he wants to be on drives. Sharpe is also improving his slashing, but he should also bump his efficiency on non-rim attempts.

To further improve, Splitter should implement more of a movement offense. Toumani Camara and Sharpe have shown they can thrive as off-ball movers, something that other Blazers should learn.

Being more imaginative with the offense can help Portland become one of the Western Conference standouts. The numbers do not show it, but they have a high defensive ceiling. If they can execute on both ends of the floor, they could be a dangerous team.

As long as Splitter’s system can execute, the future is bright. Holiday’s return should be a huge boost for Portland, especially when he is rotating with Henderson.

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