The trade deadline is approaching and the Indiana Pacers have been quiet. However, due to changes in the rotation, backup point guard Aaron Holiday could have trade value.
The Indiana Pacers and Aaron Holiday are in the midst of the second half of the season. With the addition of Victor Oladipo back into the rotation, the team is starting to take shape.
However, as the trade deadline looms, the Pacers’ front office has some things to consider. One of those is moving the backup point guard.
Due to the myriad of injuries this season, the Pacers have been unable to gauge how a completely healthy roster can compete. This has caused some shifting with the pieces that are now in place.
With the addition of Oladipo, there have already been noticeable changes in how the rotation is implemented.
Coach Nate McMillan noted that minutes would decrease for T.J. McConnell and Holiday now that Oladipo is back.
Over the past two games, it has been evident that Holiday is the one that may garner the least minutes as the season moves forward.
Despite having instances of inconsistent play, there are aspects of Holiday’s game that hold value. It’s a tough scenario as Holiday has shown growth and promise throughout the season.
It’s important to note the point guard’s youth. In the transition from the college ranks to the pros, the point guard position can be the toughest adjustment.
In Holiday’s case, that means he has yet to reach his ceiling and is still in the process of developing. This could mean that his services could be coveted by several teams.
So far this season, Holiday has averaged 10.4 points and 3.5 assists in 23 minutes played. That stat line is attractive for teams looking to improve their backcourt. With more minutes, Holiday has the potential to flourish but the current rotation may not allow it.
This leads many to think that if the Pacers were to make a move during this trade period that Holiday could be swapped out for a draft pick for the reason that Oladipo can be considered the team’s mid-season acquisition.
It’s unlikely for the Pacers to make a move before the trade deadline but if there are any suitors for Holiday the front office will take a long look.
The Pacers have two games between now and the trade deadline on Thursday. If Holiday logs minutes, expect an extra effort by the point guard to prove he can help the Pacers now and in the future.