The Golden State Warriors capped their 2014-15 preseason with a 119-112 home victory over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. The real conclusion to the preseason came after the game, when the Dubs announced a host of roster cuts likely to be claimed off waivers or sent to the D-League.
Hopeful young rookies like Aaron Craft and James Michael McAdoo danced in costume for the Oracle faithful, only to be cut by the team just hours later. Painful, but all part of NBA rookie life.
Jason Kapono, hoping to revive his flatlined NBA career, got the axe from the Warriors after minimal court time throughout the preseason. Hearing “Jason Kapono for three” boom over the public address system was strangely nostalgic.
Justin Holiday, a native Californian, was lucky enough to claim an opening night roster spot with the Golden State Warriors. So who is Justin Holiday? Here’s a quick biography.
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A 6’ 6” combo guard out of Washington, Justin — older brother of Philadelphia 76ers point guard Jrue Holiday — made his name in college as a defensive-minded guard with a knack for scoring. A massive seven-foot wingspan gave him the tools to be a harassing presence both on and off the ball against multiple positions.
Holiday was rewarded for his efforts with a Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year award in 2011, playing alongside future NBA talents Terrence Ross, C.J. Wilcox, and Isaiah Thomas.
Looking back on his DraftExpress.com scouting report and NBA projection prior to the 2011 draft, it would appear Justin Holiday has landed in the perfect spot with Golden State:
"“He could fit nicely as a bench player who could come in and play either wing spot alongside a shot-creating wing or point guard, and be a fourth or fifth option type of player offensively, if he’s able to consistently knock down perimeter jump shots and spread the floor. Being on a team that likes to play at a faster tempo would also play more to his strengths, as any opportunity for him to utilize his length and athleticism would be a bonus.”"
Despite a strong senior season and being pegged as a potential early second-rounder, Holiday went undrafted in the 2011 NBA draft, and later signed with Okapi Aalstar of Belgium where he saw starter minutes alongside current Indiana Pacers forward Chris Copeland.
Holiday then bounced around the NBA, signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2012 Summer League, then Portland for training camp, and eventually settling with the Idaho Stampede for the D-League season.
April of 2013 marked a major milestone for Holiday, finally seeing his first NBA action in nine games with the Philadelphia 76ers. Alongside his brother Jrue, Holiday logged his first double-digit scoring game, notching 11 points in 27 minutes against the Detroit Pistons.
After being waived by Philadelphia and Utah in the upcoming Summer League, Holiday hopped over the pond once again to Szolnoki Olaj of Hungary for the 2013-14 season where he averaged 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game en route to a Belgian Cup Championship, which was enough for the Golden State Warriors to bring him on to their 2014 summer roster, and eventually the preseason invitation.
Rusty Simmons of SFGate.com shows us that Steve Kerr has high levels of respect and expectations for Holiday.
"“He’s an unbelievable guy. He’s a great worker, he’s smart and he’s a team guy. Justin belongs in this league. They keep grinding, knowing that nothing is given and everything is earned. That’s one of the reasons I love him, along with the fact that he’s a really good player.”"
So what can Justin Holiday do for the Golden State Warriors?
He’ll bring that defensive prowess that got him noticed at Washington. I’ve long believed that as long as the NBA employs bench players, there will be spots reserved for guys who take pride in playing hard-nosed, aggressive defense. Justin Holiday will provide the Warriors with full-tilt perimeter defense, a la Avery Bradley of the Boston Celtics.
Holiday has developed a respectable three-point shot and he possesses a high level of athleticism and energy, which I’m sure Steve Kerr is happy to have in his back pocket behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
That brings us to the present day, where Justin Holiday is a member of the Golden State Warriors to start the season. This marks uncharted territory for the 25-year-old. The road to the NBA is long and trying, and Holiday stayed the course. Time will tell what’s in store for this young man from Studio City, now preparing to play a role on a playoff-caliber team.