New York Knicks: Players Who Need To Step Their Preseason Game Up

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Oct 8, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Justin Holiday (8) during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Holiday

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 27 (4/5/1989)
Experience: 4th NBA Season
2015-16 Slash Line: .386/.343/.730
2015-16 Season Averages: 14.6 MPG, 4.5 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.7 3PM

Entering the 2016-17 NBA preseason, Justin Holiday was projected to be the backup to Courtney Lee at shooting guard. He’s earned an intriguing reputation over the past two seasons, when he showed flashes with the Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, and Golden State Warriors.

Through three preseason games, however, it’s fair to state that Holiday has been thoroughly outplayed by rookie shooting guard Ron Baker.

In each of his three preseason games, Holiday’s playing time has progressively declined. He was active for 18 minutes in the preseason opener, played 10 minutes against the Brooklyn Nets, and saw just six minutes of court time against the Washington Wizards.

Over the course of those three appearances, he’s shot just 2-of-14 from the field, 1-of-7 from 3-point range, and 1-of-2 at the free throw line.

Preseason statistics are hardly a defining feature, but Holiday hasn’t exactly secured his place on the roster. It could merely be offseason rust, but he’ll need to step his game up before Baker takes his place in the rotation.

Holiday has been praised for having the skill and ability to be a high-level role player, but he needs to put it all together before it’s too late.

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