New York Knicks: Justin Holiday Is More Than A Throw-In

Perimeter Defense

Justin Holiday isn’t yet the defensive stopper that he has the potential to become. He has the size, length, and athleticism to match up against almost any shooting guard, and that alone makes him the perfect backup to Courtney Lee.

The question is: can Holiday actually make the leap on defense that New York desperately needs him to?

Derrick Rose, Brandon Jennings, and Carmelo Anthony provide offensive firepower along the perimeter. Though Anthony has improved his defensive consistency, none of those three players are known to be lockdown defenders.

Thus, it’s players such as Lee, Holiday, and Lance Thomas whose defensive role will expand beyond the confines of defending their position.

Holiday isn’t yet there yet, but he’s an athletic wing who has the potential to develop into such a contributor. He’s been compared to DeMarre Carroll in the past, which is evidence enough of his upside.

At 6’7″ with a 7’0″ wingspan, Holiday has the physical gifts to defend multiple positions and help anchor the Knicks’ perimeter.

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