Holiday officially joins the Trail Blazers! Praises Scoot Henderson as a superstar: the attention is well-deserved.

On July 30, Beijing time, the Portland Trail Blazers held a press conference at their training facility in Tualatin to officially introduce their most eye-catching offseason acquisition—point guard Jrue Holiday. This two-time All-Star discussed various topics during his interview with reporters, including playing alongside Lillard, serving under Coach Billups, his impressions of Scoot Henderson, and mentoring young players. Here’s the full interview content—

Regarding the city, the team, and future prospects:

“I haven’t had much time to really experience this city yet. But I’ve faced this team in a few playoff series. And I know the fans here are amazing. Clearly, during my short stay here recently, I can feel that everyone in this city is very, very friendly. The team has always treated me and my family well... I’m really excited to be here.”

Where were you when you heard about the trade? How did you find out, and what was your reaction?

“I was at my home in California. I got a call from (Boston Celtics GM) Brad Stevens, who informed me a bit before the news broke. But I was excited. Obviously, I had been traded here before, so it felt like coming full circle. I chatted with (Coach) Chauncey and (GM) Joe Cronin. I really appreciated everything they did when they first traded me. It meant a lot in my career. So I knew this time, when I talked to them, it felt like... ‘We have a chance to get you back,’ and they thought I would be a great piece here. So I’m thrilled to be here.”

Have you thought about how you will fit into this team and what role you will play?

“To be honest, we touched a little on offensive matters. Clearly, I feel I can fit in anywhere on defense. Understanding their defensive style from last year... I’m super excited about that. But honestly, I came here to contribute wherever I’m needed.”

About your views on Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe:

“You can tell these young players love basketball. They enjoy playing. It’s clear they give 110% effort every time they step on the court. So I’m very excited—if they need my guidance—to mentor them, but more importantly, to play alongside them. Being on the court to showcase not just my talent but theirs as well. And from what I’ve seen when competing against them, they have a long road ahead, and they will have very lengthy careers.”

Do you value your role in mentoring young players and being that kind of person in a young locker room?

“Absolutely. I really just love basketball. Age doesn’t matter. I remember when I first entered the league, there were veterans on the team. But I tried not to see them as just veterans, but more to observe everything around me. Even at this age, I feel like I’m still doing that, even though some players may be younger, or maybe we have different tastes in music or interests. But I think that’s what makes us a team. Finding common ground, blending together, and bringing that blend to the court.”

What’s your reaction to Lillard returning to the Trail Blazers?

“When he was bought out by the Bucks, I sent him an emoji. I don’t know, maybe it was meant to say, you know, how are you? Because obviously, Lillard loves Portland; he’s been here for many years, and I know his family is here too. But playing alongside him is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. Even before I left New Orleans, this was something I wanted. So to come back here and make that happen, especially with a team that Lillard has carried for so long, is really cool.”

Why the desire to play alongside Lillard? He plays the same position as you. It’s not often you hear players say that.

“You know, I feel I can play multiple positions. I think I’ve proven that throughout my career. For me, I’m a well-rounded basketball player. So you can’t just label me as one position. Plus, the style of play is changing; many players who never played point guard before are now doing so in the league. So I feel I can fit well with anyone. And Lillard’s style is easy to complement. His scoring ability and shooting skills create space. And because of his ability to drive, he creates shooting opportunities for you. So I think, why wouldn’t I want to play with him?”

Will you let him say that about your Wi-Fi?

“He’s texted me a few times about the Wi-Fi situation. That was my fault. Sometimes I just want to disconnect. But seriously, I fixed it later, and everything is fine. But sometimes, living without Wi-Fi can be tough.”

About the importance of family and the feeling of playing with teammates (like Lillard) who also value family:

“It’s great. He rented my house in Milwaukee, which we built for the kids. So there are great toys, climbing walls, and places for the kids to play. There’s also a nice playroom. So being back with someone I spent a lot of time with early in my career... back then, I hadn’t signed with Nike, and we were on the same tour, so we spent a lot of time in China together. Later, we won Olympic gold medals together. Now we’re back here. When we first met, we didn’t have kids. Now we both have several kids. That’s really cool, especially since I’m not the only one with kids on the team. I don’t know how many people on the team have kids now, but I know there’s someone else like me with several kids, and I’m really excited about that.”

What are your goals with the Trail Blazers?

“To be honest, it’s about winning. I think that’s always been the ultimate goal; you play basketball to win. Whatever winning means. Clearly, achieving some small victories is great, but winning is our goal; it’s the reason we play this game. So whether it’s making the playoffs or winning a championship, I feel winning is why I came here.”

Is it difficult to transition from playing for multiple NBA championship-contending teams to joining a team in rebuild mode, striving for playoff contention?

“We’ll find out. No, I don’t think it’s hard. I feel I’ve been in the league long enough to know that things aren’t always bright, beautiful, or easy, no matter how you put it. But I think coming to a team and organization with good character will make basketball enjoyable. That’s why you want to play here because you feel you’re part of something bigger than yourself. You feel you’re part of a larger team and a greater goal.”

Back to the topic of mentoring young players, can you think of anyone who helped you when you were younger?

“Yes, one was Andre Iguodala. He was pretty tough on me. During my rookie season, he was always strict with me. He had high expectations for me in many ways. At the time, I really didn’t understand why until later. Clearly, he saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. Constantly holding me accountable, emphasizing consistency and the things I had to do, was very important. I also had Elton Brand. I think everyone knows about Elton Brand’s skills and his illustrious career, as well as what he did in Philadelphia. I had Aaron McKie as a coach too. So he was kind of like my player-coach, instilling a strong work ethic in me. And since we played the same position, he guided me in many ways, not just on how to be a reliable player but also on how to be a decent person and how that reflects on and off the court.”

As for Iguodala... did he demand you to work harder in practice? Why was he so tough?

“No, it wasn’t about effort because I’ve always worked hard. It’s just that as a young player, sometimes you might not be as focused as you should be. Clearly, you have creativity and might want to try things, whether on defense or offense. He would always tell me, ‘Just stay solid.’ So he would give me tips on when to be creative and when to take risks. But back then, I felt I was taking too many risks.”

Regarding defense, how do your personal abilities help improve the overall team?

“Hopefully, it’s through my experience. Maybe it’s seeing things that younger players haven’t yet. Or just bringing the same energy to defend opposing point guards. Sometimes leading by example can help establish a solid defense behind me. Not only that, but also communication. I know Chauncey has them playing well defensively, but honestly, whatever I can bring to the defensive end, I’m looking forward to.”

About the Trail Blazers' rookie Scoot Henderson:

“He’s like a superstar. No, he’s really playing great. We talked before about how much media attention he received during his time in Las Vegas. But he deserves all of it. He’s been putting on a show in his own way. I’m not sure if anyone expected him to perform this well, but he’s definitely showing out on the court, so I’m excited.”

About playing for Billups:

“I’m excited. I’ve always been a big fan of Chauncey. Clearly, I’m a bit older than these young players, so I’ve seen Chauncey’s peak, especially during his time in Detroit. I grew up a Lakers fan, watching him play alongside Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, and Richard Hamilton, players I’ve studied. It’s really cool to be coached by a Hall of Famer.”

In your conversations with Billups, what are his expectations of you?

“To be myself. Bring the leadership I’ve shown on multiple teams. To come here and adapt as much as possible. And again, the most important thing is to win.”

What are your thoughts on being a mentor for young players on this team?

“To be honest, I just need to be myself. I really don’t know how else to do it. So coming here, I’ll just be the person I’ve always been. And again, not only provide help as much as possible but also strive to win. Clearly, the team and coaching staff are great; they’ve done a lot of work, and having a Hall of Fame coach like Chauncey is a huge asset. But I feel as an active player who has won a championship, (recently) fought for a title, I still have that feeling and desire. So I have a more genuine understanding of what that feeling is and how hard it is to win a championship.”

Looking at Henderson’s playing style, how do you think you can complement each other?

“Scoot is very aggressive. His ability to drive to the basket is incredible. I think my ability to create space and shoot threes can help him. And I know he’s getting better at shooting; he’s been working hard in the gym. But for me, it’s about playing alongside him and knowing that Scoot is the core of the next generation, able to showcase his abilities on the court.”

Are there any former Trail Blazers players you’d like to see come back?

LaMarcus Aldridge. Honestly, growing up as a Lakers fan was great because I also watched the Portland Trail Blazers play. But again, I’m really excited to be with this team; I’m looking forward to the new season starting.”

As the interview concluded, Holiday added, “And my Wi-Fi isn’t that bad.”