Justin Holiday is set to hit the free-agent market once again after just one season with the Indiana Pacers. Should the Pacers make him a priority during the offseason?
The Indiana Pacers signed veteran Justin Holiday prior to the 2019-20 NBA season to fill out some depth on the wing. Holiday, the older brother of point guard Aaron Holiday, had a solid season with Indiana’s second unit. The Pacers may want to bring him back in that role moving forward.
After spending two years as a starter for the Chicago Bulls and Memphis Grizzlies, Holiday signed with Indiana to backup T.J. Warren and Victor Oladipo. He averaged 8.3 points per game for the Pacers with .428/.405/.791 splits. His shooting percentage and three-point percentage were the best he’s posted since the 2016 season.
Holiday played some extra minutes in the playoffs for Indiana this year, his second career postseason appearance. He shot 50 percent from beyond the arc while adding 1.5 steals per game on the other end of the floor.
Now, as he hits the open market once again, the Pacers have a decision to make. Should they work to retain Justin Holiday to fill out the second unit?
What does Holiday bring to Indiana?
Justin Holiday has not had the best of luck in terms of playing for contenders. In seven seasons, he has appeared in just two playoffs and has not advanced past the first round. He serves as a respectable 3-and-D player on the wing but lacks the consistent impact to be a reliable starter on a playoff team.
Last summer, Indiana gave Holiday a one year contract worth $4.8 million. Over the course of his seven-year career, Holiday has accumulated roughly $16.5 million from seven teams. He has also never stayed with one team for two full seasons consecutively – although he has had multiple stints with the Chicago Bulls.
Wings are always valuable assets, and those who provide quality outside shooting will always have a home in the NBA. With rumors swirling of Victor Oladipo being a trade chip, the Pacers will gladly accept any wing depth they can get.
While Justin Holiday is a serviceable piece, he is by no means a roster lock or necessity. With plenty of wings and shooters on the market, he could be on his way out. However, he played well for Indiana and could stay as a mentor for a young roster.
In the case of injury, which has not been a stranger to Indiana, Holiday brings even more value. He can slide into the starting lineup and help the first-team offense at times. While he fits well as a rotational wing piece, he is not shy of playing big minutes.
Free agency market
The 31-year old wing looks towards free agency with the same scenario playing over again. After one season in Indiana, Holiday has the option to leave once again and find a new home, or he can stay with his younger brother on the second unit of a playoff team. Of course, another challenge for Indiana is finding a head coach that wants to utilize Holiday, but that is for another day.
There are plenty of wings set to hit the market, or at least have the potential to become available. Nicolas Batum and Tony Snell have player options but will likely require more money than Justin Holiday.
Joe Harris is set for a bigger payday than his current $8 million contract in Brooklyn. Justin Holiday has a competitive market as a player with plenty of value still to his game. Should he stay in Indiana, the price should be in the $8-10 million range, annually, if I had to guess.
The Pacers have roughly $12 million in space given the luxury tax, but could also create more cap space by moving on from TJ Leaf. While no big splashes will happen, Justin Holiday should be a priority for Indiana given his flexibility on the roster.
Edmond Sumner remains a fan-favorite in Indiana and played well in his limited minutes this season. If his late-season minutes are a sign of things to come, perhaps Holiday will be free to walk when free agency opens.