New Orleans Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball believes Jrue Holiday is “for sure” the most underrated player in the NBA.
Ball told Pelicans.com's Jim Eichenhofer this during a recent interview:
“Most underrated player in the NBA: ‘It’s for sure Jrue Holiday.'”
Holiday is an elite two-way player for the Pelicans. He's underrated in the sense that he doesn't get too much national attention and has only made one All-Star team, and that wasn't even with the Pelicans.
Jrue made his lone All-Star team back in 2013 when he was with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Before the 2019-20 season got suspended due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Holiday was averaging 19.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.9 assists for the Pelicans. The All-NBA defender was also shooting 45.2 percent from the field, 35.7 percent from beyond the arc and 70.0 percent from the free-throw line.
Ball and Holiday form a stout defensive backcourt in New Orleans. Both players are stellar defenders at the guard position.
The Pelicans went 28-36 prior to Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert testing positive for COVID-19. New Orleans was in 10th place in the Western Conference standings.
In his first season with the Pels after beginning his pro career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Ball is putting up 12.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 7.0 assists. The former No. 2 overall pick has improved his shooting as well. Lonzo was shooting 41.2 percent from the floor and 38.3 percent from the 3-point line before the season was suspended.
And, just as importantly, Holiday's high-profile teammate is singing his praises and trying to increase his profile around the NBA.
Follow Us
Subscribe