He only shot a combined 36.4% from midrange in 2018-20. At 6-foot-1 and short on Holiday’s blend of ball control and craft as a driver, Bledsoe often only had one speed inside the arc: a finish at the rim with strength and contortion. The biggest discrepancy between these two guards is the self-creation, particularly their divergent intermediate games. Holiday represents a substantial upgrade in all three facets, while also similarly badgering point-of-attack defenders with significantly more positional versatility. The issues primarily stemmed from Bledsoe’s lack of offensive malleability, slow release as a shooter that caused him to reconsider options – he needs to be a quick decision-maker to thrive. In essence, their success was faultily tied to Bledsoe’s scoring efficiency and decision-making, both of which cratered at inopportune junctures. When he shot 24.0% from deep and posted a 48.9% true shooting across two postseason showings, especially with Antetokounmpo’s offensive shortcomings against Toronto (2019) and Miami (2020), the whole plan crumbled. Will that lead the Bucks to playoff success? (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)Ī proficient half-court offense from the Bucks required Bledsoe’s paint pressure and ability to drill open 3s. Holiday has represented a substantial upgrade over Bledsoe in Milwaukee’s backcourt. As a small guard who relies on dribble penetration and a teetering jumper, Bledsoe could not convert from deep or live at the rim to the degree he did during regular seasons. 1 seeds, but struggled mightily in each playoff defeat. Holiday’s Midwestern predecessor was Eric Bledsoe, who enjoyed a pair of notably impactful regular seasons in 2018-20, helping guide Milwaukee to a pair of No. In conjunction with schematic modifications and offensive growth from Giannis Antetokounmpo, Holiday’s arrival and presence is a headlining basis as to why the Bucks should be much more self-assured about the regular season being more indicative of their playoff quality compared to past years. Averaging 17.7 points, 6.1 assists (2.2 turnovers), 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals on 59.2% true shooting (.503/.392/.787 split), he turned in arguably the best regular season of his career. Now a vital member of the title-eyeing Milwaukee Bucks, surrounded by the most talent of his NBA tenure, Holiday has vindicated his ardent supporters. Others thought his grandest proponents directed his praises too far, his weaknesses not scrutinized because of an absence of many high-leverage situations. Some thought he deserved more plaudits, his praises hushed while he was tucked away in New Orleans, either playing for a lottery team or concealed by Anthony Davis’ shadow of superstardom. For years, Jrue Holiday was a poster child of underrated vs.
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