Justin Holiday
Justin Holiday started the 2016 NBA preseason in an underwhelming manner, but rebounded quite well. He scored in double figures in each of the final three preseason games, also displaying upside as a facilitator and defender.
Against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Holiday was one of the few bench players who stepped up for the top-heavy New York Knicks.
The Knicks acquired Holiday in the Derrick Rose trade, but not many put stock into his upside or potential contributions. He’s played quite well as of late, however, displaying a well-rounded skill set that ranges beyond his 3-and-D reputation.
Holiday is certainly capable of spacing the floor, but he’s also dangerous in the sense that he can take his man off the bounce and distribute as a facilitator.
Holiday finished the Cavaliers game with eight points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two 3-point field goals made in 26 minutes. He didn’t shoot especially well, but Holiday played at a high enough level to warrant optimism beyond the stat sheet.
The Knicks’ second unit is in desperate need of players who can provide consistent contributions, and Holiday was the only reserve who provided them in the season opener.