How Draymond believes Bucks ‘gifted’ Celtics the championship originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The Milwaukee Bucks may have played an integral role in determining the winner of the 2024 NBA Finals series between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks.
At least according to two prominent NBA stars.
As Boston took a commanding 3-0 lead in the finals series with a 106-99 victory over Dallas on Wednesday at the American Airlines Center, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid asked a question on Draymond Green came forward.
Did the money get them the championship?
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) June 13, 2024
Green responded to Embiid’s question on the latest episode of his podcast, “The Draymond Green Show,” by explaining why the Bucks traded guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers last offseason before ultimately landing with the Eastern Conference rival Celtics, Boston provided the piece they needed to put them over the top and win the championship.
“The answer to Joel’s question is yes, they actually did that because they traded Jrue and I just think you have to find [a way] and do everything you can to keep Jrue, because Jrue can guard bigger,” Green explained. ‘Jrue can play with the ball, with the ball, there is no mismatch with Jrue and [Damian Lillard].”
“I think Milwaukee could have done other things to keep Jrue. But yes, they did [give Boston the championship] …Joel Embiid’s question to which he knew the answer is absolutely correct. It won them the championship and Boston put in the work to put it together. You have to give those guys credit… but he gave it to them.”
The Bucks originally traded Holiday to the Blazers in a deal that brought eight-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard to Milwaukee. Portland then traded Holiday to Boston, and the rest is history.
In 73 games this season, Holiday averaged 24.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game while playing lockdown defense for the Celtics.
Holiday, plus the acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis, a 7-foot-10 center in a three-team trade last offseason, bolstered an already impressive roster that now leaves Boston one win away from hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast
