Previously thought to be a throw-in in the Derrick Rose trade, Justin Holiday has become the ultimate X-Factor for the New York Knicks.
When the New York Knicks dealt for point guard Derrick Rose, most overlooked the other aspects of the trade. Rose is a former NBA MVP with name value, but he wasn’t the only player whom Phil Jackson had high hopes for.
Though viewed as a throw-in at the time of the trade, swingman Justin Holiday is proving to have immense immediate and long-term value to the Knicks.
Holiday, 27, is in his fourth NBA season. He played the 2012-13 campaign with the Philadelphia 76ers, won a championship in Hungary in 2013-14, joined the Golden State Warriors for the title run in 2014-15, and played for the Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls in 2015-16.
Though he hasn’t played multiple seasons for any NBA team, the former Washington Huskies star is earning a multi-year contract with the Knicks.
Thus far in 2016-17, Holiday is averaging 7.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.2 3-point field goals made in 19.7 minutes per game. He’s shooting 36.0 percent from 3-point range and 84.4 percent from the free throw line.
Holiday’s numbers translate to 13.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.2 3-point field goals made per 36 minutes.
Beyond the basic numbers, Holiday has been of great value to the Knicks’ success. Thus far in 2016-17, New York has net ratings of +0.7 with Holiday on the court and a team-worst -6.1 when he isn’t.
Holiday also has a positive Real Plus-Minus, including a positive Defensive Real Plus-Minus on one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA.
New York is also allowing 104.6 points per 100 possessions with Holiday on the court. That’s the best mark of any Knick who has played at least 1,000 minutes in 2016-17.
By comparison, the Knicks allow a team-worst mark of 111.3 points per 100 possessions when Holiday isn’t on the court.
As the numbers display, Holiday is the type of player who helps his team on the defensive end of the floor. That’s in part due to his tenacity as an on-ball defender, as well as the energy he expends in off-ball scenarios.
The true mark of his value to the Knicks, however, can be found in his uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time.
When there’s a loose ball to be run down or a rebound that needs to be grabbed, Holiday swoops in. When a clutch shot is needed and the stars are facing heavy defensive pressure, Holiday steps up and finds the bottom of the net.
No matter what it is that the Knicks have asked of Holiday, he’s answered the call.
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If the New York Knicks are going to turn the 2016-17 season around, then Jeff Hornacek will need to trust Justin Holiday with a bigger role.