Overview

• Holiday said assumptions that he was unhappy about being traded were inaccurate and that he was excited when informed of the deal.
• Portland acquired Holiday from Boston in June in a one-for-one trade for guard Anfernee Simons.
• The veteran guard expects to handle the ball more, organize the offense, and provide leadership for a young roster under coach Chauncey Billups.
• With Scoot Henderson sidelined to start the season, Holiday is set for increased opportunities to run Portland’s offense.
• He noted that playing in the Pacific Northwest brings him closer to his Los Angeles–area home, and a local reporter previously disputed a claim that he was upset about the trade.