Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

Paris Olympics: Key Team USA Piece Returns At Perfect Time

Team USA defenders, including Jrue Holiday, swarm Serbia center Nikola Jokic in the Paris Olympics

After being scratched ahead their blowout victory over Puerto Rico, Team USA guard Jrue Holiday will return to the lineup Tuesday against Brazil, according USA Basketball head coach Steve Kerr (h/t Andscape’s Marc J. Spears).

The veteran, who stars for the NBA’s Boston Celtics, rolled his ankle against South Sudan last Wednesday. However, he was officially listed as questionable leading up to Saturday’s game. That being said, he’ll likely be moving well when he gets back.

The primary question is whether or not Holiday will return to the starting lineup.

Jrue Holiday Returns To Team USA At Perfect Time

Holiday started in Team USA’s opener against Serbia, as he had throughout their pre-Olympic exhibitions.

However, when Team USA faced South Sudan, he and Joel Embiid were replaced by Jayson Tatum and Anthony Davis. While Davis returned to the second unit against Puerto Rico, Tatum stayed in the first with the starters. Whether this is due to Holiday’s injury or not is unknown. Nonetheless, with what are essentially two different platoons, Holiday’s role could become a matter of continuity.

With that being said, he might be penciled into starting lineup, joined by Embiid, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Devin Booker. If so, the timing could hardly be any better.

Brazil Can’t Be Underestimated

Brazil guard Yago dos Santos can’t be underestimated.

Averaging 9.0 points and 6.0 assists in the Paris Olympics, he’s his team’s most important playmaker. So, if Team USA wants to dominate wire to wire for the first time this tournament, slowing him is key. Dos Santos is more than a great passer though, as he’s quick and shifty with a knack for midair adjustments.

Holiday, considered by many to be the best perimeter defender in the NBA, is well-suited for the job.

This could also be a game in which defensive stud Derrick White makes his presence felt.

Should the frontcourt handle business and also bottle up Brazil MVP Bruno Caboclo, they’ll be in business.

Caboclo, hoping to make it back to the NBA, is averaging 13.0 points per game in the Olympics. On top of his production, he’s been uber-efficient, shooting 55.2 percent from the field and 80.0 percent from 3. That’s not to say Caboclo has been the most dominant scorer in Paris. Yet, considering that James is averaging 14.3 points per game this tournament, his numbers look a bit less modest.

Canada Awaits

If Team USA makes it to the gold medal game, Holiday could be more important than ever. Canada, on the other side of the bracket, is strong is in the backcourt. While led by 2024 NBA MVP runner-up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and 2019 No. 3 pick RJ Barrett, they also have Jamal Murray and Andrew Nembhard. In what would likely be their stiffest competition of Olympics, they would have to bring their on the perimeter.

Quenton S Albertie

Quenton S Albertie

Quenton Albertie, a native of Ft. Hood, TX, is a credentialed media member with work featured on SLAM Magazine, Sports Illustrated, USA TODAY and other major publications. Currently residing in Atlanta, GA, Albertie’s favorite teams are the Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Broncos.

Share:

More Posts