New York Knicks: Justin Holiday Is More Than A Throw-In
The Derrick Rose trade will forever be known as the Derrick Rose trade, but the New York Knicks may have acquired a diamond in the rough: Justin Holiday.
Few phrases have been as painful for New York Knicks fans to hear this summer than, “Throw-in.” LeBron James joyously reminded the world that J.R. Smith was merely thrown in when New York traded Iman Shumpert to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Smith, of course, played an essential role as a starter on the 2016 NBA champion Cavaliers.
Mere days after James’ now infamous speech, the Knicks traded Jose Calderon, Jerian Grant, and Robin Lopez for Derrick Rose. Included in the deal was a 2017 second-round draft pick, which the Chicago Bulls will send to New York.
Also included in that deal: an overlooked wing by the name of Justin Holiday.
The Bulls are sending Derrick Rose, Justin Holiday and a 2017 2nd-round pick for Robin Lopez, Jerian Grant and Jose Calderon, per source.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 22, 2016
Much as Smith proved to be more than a throw-in for Cleveland, Holiday could prove the same in New York.
It’s entirely possible that the Knicks will make moves in free agency that result in Holiday falling out of favor. He could be traded, waived, or merely relegated to the deepest part of the depth chart.
Though that possibility exists, there’s a legitimate chance that Holiday will prove to be a steal of an acquisition.
Next: An Already Defined Role