Since joining the Boston Celtics in 2023, Jrue Holiday has become a core part of Joe Mazzulla’s rotation.

Holiday's lingering injury should have Celtics fans worried

Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday. Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

The 34-year-old guard is an elite defender and connector on the offensive end. However, this season, Holiday has dealt with a string of injury issues.

Heading into the All-Star break, Holiday was dealing with a shoulder impingement. And now, he has a mallet finger, which is keeping him out of the rotation. For context, Holiday has missed seven of Boston’s last 10 games.

The Celtics need Holiday healthy to be at their best. His partnership with Derrick White is a key reason why Mazzulla’s team is so difficult to penetrate on the perimeter.

Furthermore, the Celtics need a fully healthy version of Holiday — especially if they want to retain their championship crown.

As such, Celtics fans are likely worried about Holiday’s longevity between now and the summer. The veteran guard is too important to be sitting on the sidelines once the postseason begins.

Holiday played a significant role in the Celtics winning a championship last season. He will be just as important this time around.

Furthermore, he signed a four-year $134.4M extension with the franchise during the 2024 offseason, so Boston fans will undoubtedly be concerned with how that deal plays out.

The NBA is much tougher this season as multiple teams have improved their rosters and styles of play.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks are legitimate threats in the Eastern Conference. Without Holiday in the rotation, Boston’s chances of overcoming those threats are diminished.

Fortunately, a mallet finger can be managed. Holiday will be able to suit up once he feels he can manage the pain without risk of further injury.

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Ideally, he will be back in the rotation before the playoffs. But, if additional rest means he’s healthy come crunch time, that should be the approach he takes.

However, if Holiday continues to pick up little stray injuries during the postseason, Brad Stevens would be wise to explore his options on the trade market in the summer.