Facing off in many battles over the years, including hectic playoff stakes, Jaylen Brown acknowledged his history with Jrue Holiday instantly following the Boston Celtics’ acquisition of the star at Media Day. He labeled Holiday as an assassin who plays with a force, all before matching up their strength and sharpening each other’s tools against each other in one of the 33-year-old’s first practices in Boston.

Those around Brown and the Celtics could not help but imagine the two All-Stars developing excellent chemistry and eventually feeding off each other beautifully.

Holiday and Brown have grown and gelled by the day. They both left a big imprint on the Celtics, destroying the Chicago Bulls and helping maintain their point differential to advance and clinch Group C.

The 2023 All-NBA wing talked about what it has been like to have his former rival now on his side, especially with the mentorship Holiday has provided, highlighted by his two-way versatility.

“I think it’s been great; Jrue’s been great,” Brown said. “Jrue’s versatility and what he’s been known for, I think, has helped me, I think all year. I think this is probably one of my better defensive years, on the ball and off the ball. I think I’ve definitely picked up off of his energy, so any time Jrue is on the floor making those reads, I’ve definitely learned a lot.”

Brown knows how significant Holiday’s leadership is to him and the team. The Celtics will continue to grow and learn, and Holiday’s guidance for the team will continue to be brought into the spotlight as the season goes on.

“I’m looking forward to our growth as a team, but Jrue’s versatility has been key, and just his energy level,” the former California Golden Bear added. “His presence on the defensive end, I think, has, you know, also helped me be a better defender this year, because I think I’ve been doing a lot better job in that area.”

The Celtics will have a few days off before they host the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night at TD Garden on ESPN.

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