Jrue Holiday deserves to be an NBA All-Star this season

Dec 17, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21) drives around New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) in the second half at the Smoothie King Center, Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee Bucks, NBA All-Star. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Jrue Holiday deserves to be an NBA All-Star this season: Impressive numbers

In 2013, Jrue Holiday made his sole NBA All-Star game appearance. That season, he averaged 17.7 points per game to go along with 8.0 assists. The Philadelphia 76ers, the team Holiday suited up for, did not fare so well. They finished the season 14 games below .500 and failed to make the playoffs.

This season, Holiday’s numbers almost mirror the ones he put up during his All-Star campaign nine years ago. So far, he is averaging 17.3 points per game to go along with 6.4 assists.

However, when put in proper context, these numbers are better than they appear at face value. As a young player in Philadelphia, Holiday was the primary offensive option for a Sixers team with low expectations. This year in Milwaukee, he is the primary ball-handler for a team hoping to repeat as NBA champions. The circumstances are vastly different.

In order to average over 17 points per game while still making sure that Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton get the number of touches their skill set demands, a player must pick and choose his spots wisely.

So far this season, Antetokounmpo and Middleton have both continued to put up impressive numbers. If their point guard wasn’t getting them the ball when they needed it, there would certainly be friction in Milwaukee. Instead, the team looks poised for another deep playoff run. For that, Holiday should be rewarded with a trip to the All-Star game.

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