The Portland Trail Blazers have lofty expectations for themselves this season. They started it off strong with Jrue Holiday as the starting point guard. But after dealing with an early injury, anticipation has been building for Holiday’s return to boost Tiago Splitter’s offense.
Jrue Holiday’s Return Matters For The Blazers’ Playoff Hopes
To start the season, the Portland Trail Blazers were flying high as one of the most competitive NBA teams. They were physical on defense, and their offense was humming along. Jrue Holiday was a significant part of their success, serving as the floor general and leader.
Unfortunately, he suffered a calf injury in mid-November, which took him out until this past Sunday’s game. Now that he is back, he rejoins a Trail Blazers team that is different from before. Acting head coach Tiago Splitter’s offense needed a spark, and Holiday could be what they’ve needed.
Holiday’s Return is Exciting For His Teammates
In Sunday’s game against the New York Knicks, there was a different vibe with the Trail Blazers. They had their veteran leader again in Holiday. His teammates were ecstatic, including star stopper Toumani Camara.
“It felt good. So happy to see him in a jersey, being able to play again. Those moments are very frustrating. I feel for Scoot, who hasn’t been able to play… We’re a family here, so to be able to have one of my brothers back on the court with me is definitely fun,” Camara said after the game.
Considering the Blazers have high hopes for the rest of the season, having a leader is a huge boost. Not only is he reliable, but his status as a tried-and-true point guard is also significant.
Jrue Holiday is AVAILABLE for today’s game 🏀 pic.twitter.com/upkugCeUXq
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) January 11, 2026
Coach Splitter’s offense needed someone like Holiday to lead it. He is the quintessential veteran point guard who can set everyone up for success. Holiday does not stop there because he is also a lockdown defender, so his leadership shines on both ends.
The Blazers’ Playoff Hopes are Realistic With Holiday
Over the past two months, the Blazers have had a rollercoaster campaign. Deni Avdija has stepped up and become the team’s lead ball handler. That has been good for him because he is in the midst of an All-Star-caliber season. However, it is still not Avdija’s natural position. Now that Holiday is back, Avdija will revert to his old role. That will likely lead to him starting again alongside rising star Shaedon Sharpe in the backcourt.
The pressure will not be too heavy on Avdija and Sharpe anymore because of Holiday’s presence. They have a true playmaker, as the two rising stars have been makeshift point guards in the past two months.
DENI X SHAEDON COLLAB pic.twitter.com/v2plD4zzEl
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 27, 2025
With Holiday, they could be competitive enough to meet the Blazers’ playoff hopes. They occupy one of the Play-In Tournament spots at the moment. The ceiling is much higher with Holiday. Scoot Henderson is returning soon, and he can raise the ceiling even more.
Splitter’s Offense is Much Better With Point Guards
Despite the issues they’ve gone through in the past few months, the Blazers still have a decent record. They were on a five-game winning streak before losing to the Knicks in Holiday’s return game.
Portland has plenty of point guards, but they were all on the sidelines. With Holiday, Henderson, and Damian Lillard, Avdija had plenty of people to listen to. Holiday and Lillard, especially, are working well together as leaders.
Now that Holiday has returned, Avdija won’t have to deal with the burden as much. However, he has become the team’s star player, so he will need the ball in his hands often. With Splitter’s system, they have a promising team in their quest for a postseason berth, which they last earned in 2021. This Blazers team has the talent within the roster, and Holiday’s return is the boost they have needed.
© Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images
