New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek has been very pleased with the play of reserve wing Justin Holiday in the early going.
When theNew York Knicksexecuted a trade with the Chicago Bulls this offseason people’s attention was drawn toDerrick Rose. The former MVP winner was being traded to the Knicks, but he came along with another player; the unheraldedJustin Holiday.
Holiday is probably best known as the older brother to New Orleans Pelicans All-StarJrue Holiday. Justin has had a little opportunity to make a name for himself in the NBA. He has a championship ring from his season with the Golden State Warriors in 2014-15 but played only 11 minutes during the postseason.
He didn’t receive much of a chance in his next stop with the Atlanta Hawks either. He signed a two-year deal with the Hawks during the 2015 offseason but didn’t even last a season. He was traded to the Bulls as part of a three-team deal that also included the Utah Jazz. He received his best opportunity with the Bulls, showing that he is a good defender and can knock down some three-pointers.
He was not long for the Bulls either and was traded to the Knicks along with Rose. The Knicks have presented him with his first real opportunity at playing time and he has taken full advantage.
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In 11 games Holiday has established himself as a go-to player in the Knicks second unit. WithLance Thomasdealing with injuries, Holiday has seized the opportunity and become the top wing player in the second unit.
Holiday has played at least 24 minutes in three of the last four games, averaging 9.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and one block per game. He is providing solid defense on the perimeter, giving the Knicks another option to rely on other thanCourtney Lee. He is also making 41.7 percent of his three-pointers on the season.
It is something thatJeff Hornacekhas seen, as Holiday is the only player other thanBrandon Jenningsto have a consistent role off the bench.
“He’s doing everything right,’’ Hornaceksaid. “You don’t have to tell him two, three times how to guard something. You tell him once and he does it. Of all our guys more than anybody, he’s consistently in the right spot. He’s got a nice shot. He’s been huge for us.’’
Holiday has been a revelation for the Knicks as many people saw him as just a throw-in along with Rose. But he has proven to be much more than that as he is an important piece for the Knicks on their second unit.
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Holiday does things that do not always show up in the box score but help the team greatly. He is always hustling and brings energy whenever he is on the court. The Knicks bench entered the season with a lot of question marks but Holiday has helped quell some of those concerns with his early season play.
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