Holiday is one of five first-time selections on the Eastern Conference team. He is also the youngest 76er ever to be named to the team. The All-Star Game will be played Feb. 17 in Houston.
"That was surprising to me when you consider that guys like Wilt Chamberlain and Allen Iverson played here," Holiday said. "It's just really a great honor to be selected by the coaches."
Sixers coach Doug Collins, himself a four-time all-star, shot Holiday a text when he got the news. To make the team, Holiday had to beat out players such as New Jersey's Deron Williams and Brandon Jennings of Milwaukee.
"I think the coaches looked out and they saw this young guy who is on this steady climb to be a great player," Collins said of Holiday, who is averaging 19.0 points and 9.0 assists, both career highs. "This is going to be a moment for Jrue to walk into that locker room and to be a part of something very special."
Collins' perspective on the game is unique because he has played in it, coached it, and broadcasted it.
"I have seen it from all angles, and I am really happy for him," Collins said. "And in a year that has been disappointing for us record-wise and with what we have had to go through with injuries and all, this is a ray of sunshine, and I hope our fans are very happy."
