Nico Harrison’s Bold Take: Why Jrue Holiday Was Once Ranked Alongside Nikola Jokic

In the fast-paced world of NBA evaluations, few statements spark debate like a front-office executive comparing a defensive stalwart to a two-time MVP. Yet, that’s exactly what happened when Nico Harrison, the Dallas Mavericks’ General Manager, revealed he once placed Jrue Holiday in the same tier as Nikola Jokic—one of the most dominant players in modern basketball. At first glance, the claim seems audacious: Holiday, an elite two-way guard, versus Jokic, a generational big man with unparalleled playmaking and scoring ability. But dig deeper, and Harrison’s perspective offers a fascinating lens into how NBA executives evaluate impact beyond traditional stats.

This isn’t just about a single hot take—it’s a masterclass in how front offices measure value. Holiday’s defensive versatility, leadership, and clutch performances have redefined the “3-and-D” archetype, while Jokic’s offensive genius has rewritten the rules for centers. So, was Harrison’s comparison a bold overstatement or a brilliant insight? Let’s break down the logic, the context, and what it means for how we assess NBA greatness today.

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Who Is Nico Harrison, and Why Does His Opinion Matter?

Before dissecting the Holiday-Jokic debate, it’s worth understanding the man behind the statement. Nico Harrison isn’t just any NBA executive—he’s a former Nike basketball scout with decades of experience evaluating talent at all levels. Hired by the Mavericks in 2021, he’s known for his analytical yet holistic approach to player evaluation, blending advanced metrics with intangibles like leadership and culture fit.

Harrison’s background gives his takes weight. He doesn’t just look at points per game or PER; he assesses how players elevate teams in high-leverage situations. When he says Holiday was in Jokic’s tier, he’s not comparing their scoring averages—he’s talking about impact. And in the moderBA, impact is measured in ways that go far beyond the box score.

Key Takeaways on Harrison’s Evaluation Style

• Defense as a Game-Changer: Harrison values elite defenders who can single-handedly swing playoff series (see: Holiday’s 2021 Finals run with the Bucks).
• Clutch Performance: He prioritizes players who rise in the postseason, where Holiday’s résumé (NBA champion, multiple All-Defensive teams) speaks volumes.
• Versatility Over Specialization: Jokic’s offensive mastery and Holiday’s two-way dominance represent the NBA’s shift toward multi-dimensional superstars.

As Harrison put it in a 2023 interview: “Some guys make the game easier for everyone else. That’s the tier Jrue was in for me.” That’s high praise—and it’s rooted in a philosophy that’s reshaping how teams are built.

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The Case for Jrue Holiday in the “Elite Tier”

At first glance, comparing Holiday to Jokic seems like apples to oranges. Jokic is a 6’11” scoring and playmaking savant with back-to-back MVPs, while Holiday is a 6’4” guard whose greatest strength is shutting down opposing stars. But Harrison’s argument hinges on three pillars:

1. Defensive Impact: The Ultimate Force Multiplier

Holiday isn’t just a good defender—he’s a system-altering one. His ability to guard positions 1 through 3 at an elite level allows teams to hide weaker defenders and switch aggressively. In the 2021 NBA Finals, he held Damian Lillard to 34% shooting in the Bucks’ series-clinching Game 6. That’s the kind of playoff-defining defense that Harrison weighs as heavily as Jokic’s 30-point triple-doubles.

Advanced Metrics Back It Up:

• Holiday has finished in the top 5 in Defensive Player of the Year voting twice.
• His teams consistently rank in the top 10 in defensive rating when he’s on the floor.
• Synergy Sports data shows he’s held opposing stars to below their season averages iearly every playoff series since 2019.

2. Two-Way Excellence: The New NBA Currency

Gone are the days when elite players could afford to be one-dimensional. Jokic’s offense is historic, but Holiday’s two-way production is the gold standard for guards. In the 2023 playoffs, he averaged 17.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists while locking down the opposing team’s best perimeter player. That’s a luxury few teams have—and it’s why Harrison sees him as a tier-defining talent.

Comparison to Other Elite Two-Way Guards:

Player	2023 Playoff Stats (PPG/APG/SPG)	Defensive Rating
Jrue Holiday	17.3 / 5.2 / 1.4	108.5 (Elite)
Marcus Smart	14.2 / 5.5 / 1.1	110.2 (Very Good)
Devin Booker	27.3 / 4.5 / 0.8	112.1 (Average)

3. Leadership and Wiing Pedigree

Jokic’s individual accolades are undeniable, but Holiday has something just as valuable: a championship ring and a reputation as a locker-room leader. His ability to elevate teammates—whether it’s Giais in Milwaukee or Luka Doncic in Dallas—is a skill Harrison clearly prizes. As he told reporters: “Jrue doesn’t just fit into a system. He makes the system better.”

Evidence of His Impact:

• Bucks’ 2021 title run: Holiday’s defense and clutch shooting (40% from three in the Finals) were pivotal.
• Mavericks’ 2024 playoff push: Dallas’s defense improved from 18th to 8th in the league after acquiring him.
• Teammate praise: Both Giais and Luka have called him the “best teammate I’ve ever had.”

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Nikola Jokic: The Undisputed Offensive Maestro

Of course, Jokic’s greatness isn’t up for debate. The Serbian big man is a three-level scoring threat with the passing vision of a point guard and the footwork of a wing. His two MVPs (2021, 2022) and 2023 Finals MVP speak for themselves. But Harrison’s comparison isn’t about diminishing Jokic—it’s about expanding how we define elite players.

Where Jokic Excels (And Holiday Doesn’t)

• Offensive Creation: Jokic averages 9+ assists per game as a center—something no other big man in history has done.
• Scoring Volume: His 25+ PPG on 60% true shooting is unmatched for a player his size.
• Historical Impact: He’s the only center ever to lead the league in points, rebounds, and assists in a season.

But here’s the kicker: Harrison isn’t arguing Holiday is better. He’s saying that in a league where defense, versatility, and leadership are increasingly vital, Holiday’s impact is comparable in magnitude—just in different ways. It’s like comparing a Swiss Army knife (Holiday) to a tactical nuke (Jokic). Both get the job done.

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Why This Debate Matters for the ModerBA

Harrison’s take isn’t just a fun thought experiment—it’s a window into how NBA front offices are evolving. Here’s why this comparison is more than just hot-air analysis:

1. The Rise of the “360-Degree Player”

Teams no longer build around one-dimensional stars. The 2024 NBA Finals featured two of the most versatile players in the league: Jokic (offensive hub) and Anthony Davis (two-way anchor). Holiday fits this mold perfectly—he’s not the best at any one thing, but he’s elite at everything a guard needs to do.

2. Defense is the New Offense

In a league where offensive efficiency is at an all-time high, defense is the ultimate differentiator. The last five NBA champions all ranked in the top 10 in defensive rating. Holiday’s ability to shut down elite guards (like Steph Curry, Luka Doncic, and Devin Booker in the playoffs) is a skill that’s just as valuable as Jokic’s scoring.

3. The “Culture Carrier” Premium

Harrison’s praise for Holiday isn’t just about stats—it’s about intangibles. Players like Holiday, Draymond Green, and Marcus Smart are force multipliers who make everyone around them better. In an era where load management and superteams dominate headlines, having a player who sets the tone nightly is priceless.

Related: How the Mavericks’ Culture Shift Led to Their 2024 Playoff Run

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Counterarguments: Where the Comparison Falls Short

No debate is complete without pushback. Here’s where critics argue Harrison’s take misses the mark:

1. Offensive Ceiling Matters

Jokic is a top-3 offensive player in the league, capable of single-handedly carrying a team’s offense. Holiday, while efficient, has never been a primary scorer on a contender. His career-high in points per game is 19.3—Jokic has averaged 25+ for five straight seasons.

2. Playmaking Gap

Jokic’s 9.8 assists per game in 2023 are historic for a center. Holiday’s playmaking is solid (6-7 APG in his prime), but he’s not a scheme-warping passer like Jokic, LeBron, or even Luka Doncic.

3. Durability and Peak Performance

Jokic has been remarkably durable, playing 70+ games in six of his eight seasons. Holiday, while reliable, has dealt with minor injuries and hasn’t sustained MVP-level play for a full season.

Expert Opinion: Former NBA executive Bob Myers weighed in on the debate, saying: “Jokic is a generational talent, but I get why Nico rates Jrue so highly. If you’re building a team to win in June, you’d take both in a heartbeat.”

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How This Changes the Way We Evaluate NBA Stars

Harrison’s comparison isn’t just about Holiday or Jokic—it’s about how we define greatness in today’s NBA. Here’s what this debate teaches us:

1. Impact > Stats

The days of judging players solely by points, rebounds, and assists are over. Metrics like EPM (Estimated Plus-Minus), LEBRON (Luck-adjusted Player Estimate using a Box prior), and on/off court data now play a huge role in evaluations. Holiday’s +8.1 on-court net rating in the 2023 playoffs was higher than Jokic’s (+7.3)—a stat that would make Harrisood in agreement.

2. Positional Value is Fluid

Traditionally, centers were judged by rebounds and blocks, while guards were scored on assists and steals. But players like Jokic (a passing center) and Holiday (a defensive guard who initiates offense) have blurred those lines. The NBA now values skills over positions.

3. Play Style Fit Matters More Than Ever

Jokic thrives in a slow-paced, half-court system, while Holiday excels in switch-heavy, transition-based schemes. Neither is “better”—they’re just optimized for different styles. Harrison’s tiering accounts for this, focusing on how well a player fits a wiing ecosystem.

See also: The Evolution of NBA Positionless Basketball

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What’s Next? The Future of NBA Player Evaluation

Harrison’s take on Holiday and Jokic is a sign of where the league is headed. Here’s what to watch for:

1. The Rise of “Hybrid Metrics”

Teams are increasingly using composite scores that blend traditional stats with tracking data (defensive impact, hustle plays, screen assists) to evaluate players. Expect more executives to make “unconventional” comparisons as these metrics evolve.

2. Defense as a Premium Skill

With offensive efficiency skyrocketing, elite defenders will command MVP-level respect. Players like Holiday, Bam Adebayo, and Evan Mobley could see their stock rise as analytics catch up to their impact.

3. The “Culture Carrier” Market

Front offices will pay a premium for players who elevate teammates, set defensive tones, and perform in playoffs. Holiday’s $160 million contract with the Celtics in 2023 is proof of this shift.

Trend to Watch: The 2025 NBA Draft is loaded with two-way wings (like Cooper Flagg and Matas Buzelis), signaling that teams are prioritizing versatility over specialization.

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Final Verdict: Was Harrison Right?

So, was Nico Harrison’s comparison valid? The answer depends on how you define “tier.”

• If “tier” means “best player in the world”: No. Jokic’s offensive dominance and accolades put him in a class of his own.
• If “tier” means “players who single-handedly elevate a team’s ceiling”: Absolutely. Holiday’s defense, leadership, and two-way play are championship-level skills.

Harrison’s point isn’t that Holiday is as good as Jokic—it’s that he belongs in the conversation about players who change the trajectory of a franchise. And in a league where defense wins championships and culture drives success, that’s a take worth respecting.

As the NBA continues to evolve, so will the way we measure greatness. Maybe one day, a guard like Holiday will win an MVP—not because he scores the most, but because he does everything else at an elite level.

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Call to Action: Rethink How You Watch Basketball

Next time you watch aBA game, don’t just focus on the points or highlights. Ask yourself:

• How is this player impacting the game when they don’t have the ball?
• Are they making their teammates better on both ends?
• Would this team collapse without them?

You might start seeing the game—and the players—differently. And who knows? You might even find yourself agreeing with Nico Harrison.

What’s your take? Do you think Holiday belongs in the same tier as Jokic? Or is Harrison’s comparison a stretch? Drop your thoughts in the comments—and don’t forget to subscribe for more NBA deep dives!

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