One of the salient points of LeBron James’ newest off-court project, the Mind the Game podcast with JJ Redick, is his insights about the Boston Celtics. In the pilot episode, the Los Angeles Lakers forward heaped praise on Jayson Tatum, whom he considers “elite”, especially given what he has already achieved at age 25.
But while Jayson Tatum gets most of the plaudits, LeBron James also pointed out that the Boston Celtics are legitimate contenders for the NBA championship this year because of the “personnel help” that Tatum currently has, citing Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.
“Like I said, personnel helps. Adding (Kristaps) Porzingis and getting Jrue (Holiday) for a bag of Lays potato chips, that helps as well,” remarked James.
Last summer, the Boston Celtics acquired Jrue Holiday from the Portland Trail Blazers for Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams, and two draft picks. Before that, Boston got Kristaps Porzingis in a three-team deal, which saw them part ways with club icon, Marcus Smart.
LeBron James has a point about the Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics currently have the best record in the NBA at 54-14, and it wouldn’t be possible without Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis (on top of Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Al Horford, among others).
Replacing Marcus Smart with Jrue Holiday to become their starting point guard was the right move for Boston. Holiday is not only one of the best two-way players in the NBA but he is also an NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks back in 2021.
This year, Jrue Holiday is averaging 12.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game while shooting 48.5 percent from the field and 44.5 percent from three-point land.
On the other hand, Kristaps Porzingis has been an effective third option for the Boston Celtics’ offense. The Latvian sharpshooter has been averaging 20.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 51.9 percent from the field.
With Holiday and Porzingis, the Boston Celtics hope they will finally get over the line this season after falling short in their quest to win a title in recent years.