3 players that might have played their last game for the Indiana Pacers
By Josh Wilson
Justin Holiday
Justin Holiday’s one-year, $4.7 million deal expires after this season.
Holiday has had a solid run with the Pacers this season, but it’s possible that his services will be necessary moving forward. With what limited cap space the Pacers have this offseason, they likely won’t need to bring on additional ball handlers with Victor Oladipo anticipating a full return and a debut out of the gate for the 2020-21 season.
Holiday’s minutes played have already been on the downturn since Oladipo returned, and likely would have continued that way as Oladipo gets more and more minutes.
In 24.9 minutes per game this season, Holiday has averaged 8.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. He does bring solid outside shooting, hitting about 45 percent of his 4.4 3-point shots per game which is good for the second-highest 3-point percentage and made 3-pointers per game on the team.
Related Story. Some players who can take advantage of extra rest. light
If shooting is something Indiana values heading into next year there’s a case to be made for bringing him back. The other big positive Holiday brings to the table is his versatility. Holiday has slotted in at four different positions in various scenarios this season and could be a solid two-way wing for the Pacers.
That’s a role many teams will be looking to fill in free agency this summer, which may result in Indiana getting outbid.
The Pacers are known for making player-first moves in an effort to retain relationships with agents and maintain a positive league-wide rapport, so it’s possible that they could bring Justin back on a veteran’s minimum to keep him with his brother, Aaron, to keep the Holiday family happy, but that seems like a stretch.
If they bring him back it will be primarily because of the spacing he provides on the offensive end, and it’s likely going to cost more than a vet minimum.