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.

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

Creating Depth

The New York Knicks upgraded at shooting guard by signing Courtney Lee to a four-year deal worth $48 million. It was both affordable and practical, as New York landed a 3-and-D shooting guard who perfectly complements starting point guard Derrick Rose.

Though Lee should provide 30-plus minutes of consistent play per game, every team needs depth at guard.

In 2015-16, Arron Afflalo played well enough to hold down the starting shooting guard position. The absence of depth behind him severely hurt the Knicks, however, as undersized 2 Langston Galloway and aging veteran Sasha Vujacic saw fluctuating minutes.

With Justin Holiday in the mix, the Knicks now have the necessary depth for productivity, consistency, and continuity at the 2.

Lee is locked in as the starter, which makes the comparisons between he and Holiday fitting. Both are athletic shooting guards who run the floor well, space the floor, and have the ability to lock opposing scorers down.

Depth is paramount in the modern NBA, and Holiday could provide that for the Knicks behind Lee.

Next: Spacing

3-Point Shooting

The New York Knicks, like most other successful teams, plan to run a system that depends heavily on spacing. Jeff Hornacek makes it a point to create penetration, which works most efficiently when there are 3-point shooters who can consistently space the floor.

Though there have been periods of inconsistency, Justin Holiday has proven capable of hitting the 3-ball with remarkable efficiency.

Holiday shot rather inefficiently during his first tenures with the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, and Atlanta Hawks. His minutes were sporadic, however, and his shot attempts were limited.

When Holiday received consistent playing time, he shot the lights out as a member of the Chicago Bulls.

Holiday made an average of 1.0 3-point field goal on 43.3 percent shooting from beyond the arc with the Bulls. That’s closer to what was expected of him after he made 47 3-point field goals on 35.9 percent shooting during his senior season with the Washington Huskies.

Holiday isn’t yet proven as a consistent 3-point shooter, but he showed in Chicago that he has the potential to develop into that type of contributor.

Next: The Upside

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.

Next: Above The Rim

Athleticism

In contrast to the strategy utilized in 2015-16, the New York Knicks are planning to get out and run in 2016-17. New York ranked dead last in fast break points per game last season and head coach Jeff Hornacek won’t let that happen again.

Though he’s slight of frame, Holiday’s athleticism enables Hornacek to be more flexible in the way he utilizes his second unit.

A 6’7″ shooting guard will automatically turn heads and Holiday fits the profile. He also boasts a 7’0″ wingspan, a near 37″ max vertical leap, and fluid athleticism in both the half court and transition.

With respectable handles and body control, Holiday does a surprisingly efficient job of creating off the bounce with his ability to change direction without a moment’s notice.

Another benefit of Holiday’s physical profile is the potential for him to spot minutes at small forward. This could work marvelously when the Knicks go to a duel point guard set, need defense from Holiday and Courtney Lee, or move Carmelo Anthony over to the 4.

If all else fails, Holiday’s ability to run the floor and play above the rim will make him a fan favorite in Hornacek’s up-tempo offense.

Next: What's On The Line?

No Risk Situation

This is a rare no-risk opportunity for the New York Knicks. In Justin Holiday, New York has a 27-year-old swingman with an expiring contract, starting-caliber upside, and no financial pressure to get him minutes.

The only responsibility New York has with Holiday is to embrace how much of a tireless workhorse he already is.

The worst case scenario is that Holiday flames out and the Knicks let him walk in free agency in 2017. That would be a disappointing turn of events, but the trade Holiday was acquired in was more about Derrick Rose to begin with.

The best case scenario is that New York lands a wonderful locker room presence who leaves it all on the court and positively influences the postseason push.

Holiday has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches at every stop he’s made. He’s also flashed the potential to be a consistent 3-and-D player with the valuable ability to take his man off the bounce.

Though the trade may have been centered around Rose, Holiday was more than just a throw-in for Phil Jackson.

must read: Five reasons New York will make the playoffs

Holiday could be one of the true steals of the summer.