The Milwaukee Bucks was a big hit this offseason when they acquired New Orleans Pelicans’ Jrue Holiday, in what turned out to be a mega deal for four teams. Unfortunately, Holiday didn’t have much of a chance to settle down with his new team.
Due to a restriction on the league’s health and safety protocols, Holiday was limited to just 23 games in his first season with the Bucks. Fortunately for Milwaukee, he is returning and will likely play as early as Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers, according to a report by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Holiday was off the pitch for almost three weeks and missed the last 10 Bucks games. Although nothing has been confirmed, such an extended absence could mean that he tested positive for COVID-19. Khris Middleton’s comments after the team’s victory over the Denver Nuggets earlier this month confirm this.
“You definitely think about it, especially for Jrue,” said Middleton. “It’s nothing to play with. And after he’s positive, you immediately think about your health, your safety, and then your family at home. He also has young children to worry about. So, I think it was a big part of what was going through my mind before the game. Just thinking about him and his family at home. ”
With no Holiday in the lineup, the Bucks have been hot and cold, recording a 5-5 record, which included a streak of five consecutive losses and a current streak of four consecutive wins. Holiday’s return will give a big boost to the team, which seeks five consecutive wins on Sunday. In particular, they will need Holiday’s defensive skills against the mighty Clippers.
Obviously, its absence is not the only factor, but just look at this difference on the defensive end:
|
Before the holiday entry protocol |
108.9 |
8th |
|
During the absence of vacation |
113.1 |
19th |
Holiday, who averaged 1.9 steals per game before joining the protocol, is Bucks’ best perimeter defender, and often responsible for defending the team’s primary offensive option. It may take a while before he can do that for more than 30 minutes a night again, but just getting his presence back on the ground will be huge for Bucks.