The Minnesota Timberwolves have been contenders for a few years now — never the odds-on favorites, but a young, hungry, dangerous team nobody wants to see in a series.
Portland Trail Blazers star Jrue Holiday rates Anthony Edwards and the Wolves, even going as far as to say they were one piece away from a first-ever NBA Championship.
That piece is him.
He said as much to new Blazers coach Micah Nori when the two linked up in Portland.
Jrue Holiday reckons he would have won a third chip with Minnesota Timberwolves
There’s no denying Minnesota have been knocking on the door over the past three seasons. They reached the Conference Finals in 2023-24 and 2024-25, before going out to the San Antonio Spurs in this year’s semis.
The quality of opposition they have faced in that span is more to blame for the shortcomings than any roster issue, but an improvement in the guard spots would have taken them over the top.
Well, that’s according to Holiday. His new coach Nori shared the details of an early conversation he had with the 36-year-old veteran.
He explained to the Oregonian: “Jrue did tell me if he was on one of our Minnesota teams the last three years, any of those teams, we would have won a championship.”
It’s a bold claim, but not surprising from a player who has been there and done that — twice.
Jrue Holiday is the model veteran
He also spoke about Holiday’s veteran leadership, and how he wants the team to play.
He added: “His first thing was, ‘Coach, I’m with whatever.’ He said, ‘I want to be there. Just make sure everybody guards on the ball. But I’ll play whatever.’ He does not care. And I mean that in all sincerity.”
The Blazers roster is going through a significant change. The addition of Ja Morant, in particular, is sure to stir things up. Having a professional like Holiday in the dressing room, still hungry for success, can only benefit the younger talents.
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