Immediately after the Boston Celtics were booted from the 2025 NBA Playoffs, Derrick White told reporters that he may have just played alongside some of his teammates for the last time. He was right, and the first one to go was two-time NBA champion Jrue Holiday.

In late June, the C's dealt Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers, which — ironically — is where the veteran guard was before being traded to Boston in 2023. The two-time All-Star had a winning impact in Beantown, helping the Celtics capture banner No. 18 less than a year after his arrival.

Holiday will now bring his championship experience to Portland, a city that hasn't seen an NBA title in nearly 50 years. Meanwhile, White will have to carry on without his fellow guard as the Celtics enter a season of uncertainty.

When asked about Holiday's time in Boston, White didn't shy away from the fact that the Celts' lost a major contributor, via the “White Noise Podcast.”

“We'll definitely miss him,” White admitted. “You can't really replace a Jrue Holiday.”

White and Holiday formed arguably the greatest defensive backcourt in the league when they shared the floor. Both were NBA All-Defensive Second Teamers in 2024 and made life very difficult for opposing ball handlers.

On the other side of the ball, they also excelled, yet White credits his superior scoring stats to Holiday's willingness to sacrifice and take a backseat on offense at times.

Article Continues Below

“Jrue allowed me to be me,” White said. “Allowed me to kind of step into my own and do what I do.”

As a result of Holiday's selflessness, White put together the best season of his career during the 2024-25 campaign. He'll likely have to follow up that performance with another impressive year if the Celtics want to seriously contend, as they already lost Holiday, former starting center Kristaps Porzingis, and 7-footer Luke Kornet this offseason. And to top it all off, perennial All-Star Jayson Tatum is out indefinitely with an Achilles injury.

Given the summer roster shakeup, it's fair to say that the Celtics' 2024 championship core is no longer intact. Holiday's defense, 3-point shooting, and steady leadership were pivotal during Boston's dominant run to a ring.

White is grateful for that, and it's no secret that he'll miss working with the future Hall of Famer.

“It was unbelievable to be his teammate,” he said with a smile.

More Boston Celtics News
Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) walks off the court after losing to the New York Knicks in game six in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden
Celtics’ Jaylen Brown makes confession about dealing with depressionJosue Pavon ·
Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) reacts after his basket against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at TD Garden.
1 final move Boston Celtics must make to complete 2025 NBA offseasonRohan Brahmbhatt ·
United States guard LeBron James (6) and small forward Jayson Tatum (10) react in the first half against Brazil in a men’s basketball quarterfinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena.
Jayson Tatum’s initial reaction to LeBron James’ golf swing is pricelessRexwell Villas ·
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) in the first half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at TD Garden.
Celtics’ Derrick White reveals Gregg Popovich’s NSFW message when Spurs traded himZachary Weinberger ·
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) talks to referee Scott Twardoski (52) during the second quarter against the LA Clippers at Intuit Dome.
Boston Celtics’ perfect move in 2025 NBA offseasonRohan Brahmbhatt ·
Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Sam Cassell looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center.
Sam Cassell, Scottie Pippen were contacted for Tennessee State job during searchRandall Barnes ·