New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday might just be the most underrated player in the NBA right now. With the Western Conference stacked with talent at the guard position, the 29-year-old UCLA product often gets overlooked in the conversation by more flashy players. But make no mistake about it, Holiday is a supreme talent who gets it done at both ends of the floor. Memphis Grizzlies swingman Andre Iguodala recently tweeted a major compliment for the 6’3 guard, calling him the best defender in the league today.

Iguodala was a teammate of Holiday for three seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers from 2009-2012. Holiday made the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2018 and was named to the Second Team last season.

The Pelicans, meanwhile, have won five of their last 10 games, after starting the season at 0-5. Their overall team defense still leaves a lot to be desired, but Holiday continues to to be a bright spot for the Alvin Gentry-led team on that end of the floor.

Holiday is averaging 19.3 points for the Pelicans, while shooting 43.7 percent from the field and 34.5 from three. He is also leading his team in assists (7.3) and steals (2.1).

His leadership has rubbed off on his fellow backcourt mates, as Kenrich Williams and Josh Hart have also evolved into decent defenders.

New Orleans is currently 12th in the Western Conference with a 6-12 standing. Brandon Ingram has assumed the role as the team’s to gunner, but Holidya is still the calming presence that keeps his team together. Their prized rookie Zion Williamson is expected to return next month, and Holiday’s veteran leadership will be needed more than ever to guide the promising prospect.

Iguodala, on the other hand, has yet to play for the Grizzlies and is heavily rumored to be on his way out via trade although Memphis continues to have a hard time finding a suitable partner.