Bobby Portis Jr. on Jrue Holiday's value to the Milwaukee Bucks

If anyone is making a list of the most underrated players in the NBA, Jrue Holiday’s name has got to be near or at the top of it. An unassuming yet highly-productive guard who has earned a reputation for being one of the best defenders in the Association, his name still doesn’t come up often enough when people discuss the best players in the league.

However, Holiday’s value to the Milwaukee Bucks is undeniable and has been on full display this season. With Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo missing large chunks of the season due to numerous injuries, Jrue has carried the torch for the Milwaukee Bucks, helping them to the best record in the league.

Impacts winning

According to his teammate, Bobby Portis Jr., Holiday’s impact on their team’s success is “second to none.” From defending the opposing team’s best perimeter players to orchestrating their offense, Portis says Jrue can do it all but does not get enough love from experts and pundits that cover the league.

“He's definitely one of the most underrated players in our league that doesn't get a lot of credit for what he does to impact winning,” said Portis.

Playing in his 14th season in the league and his third with the Bucks, Holiday’s contributions don’t always show up in highlight reels, but they almost always end up in victories. This was never more evident than in the Bucks’ title run in 2021 when he defended the Phoenix Suns’ All-Star guards Chris Paul and Devin Booker.

Winning is all that matters

Portis went on to say that while statistics are often used to define a player’s greatness, winning should always factor in as well. In that regard, Jrue’s value to the Bucks is undeniable.

“That's the biggest thing like as a basketball player. Obviously, stats is one thing. You can average 25 and 10, whatever it is, but with me, like, it's all about impacting winning, like Jrue's impact on winning is second to none,” said Portis.