Hoops Habit
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NBA: Minimum Contract, Maximum Value

By Simon Smith

Nov 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Justin Holiday (8) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 104-94. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Justin Holiday (8) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 104-94. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks guard Justin Holiday (8) drops back on defense against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Holiday, New York Knicks

Contract: $1,015,696; expires 2016-17

In essence a throw in as part of New York’s acquisition of Derrick Rose, Holiday has proven to be one of the more consistent performers for the Knicks this season. Playing in all 45 games, Holiday is averaging 7.3 points and 2.9 rebounds in 18.8 minutes per game. Holiday’s ability to hit the open perimeter shot and play terrific man-to-man defense has been a feature of his game.

Rose, who shared last season with Holiday in Chicago, noted recently:

"“He’s a pro, man. A lot of people overlooked him. I always felt he was pro. Great for the locker room. He’s a great guy to be on the court with. He listens. He’s young. I’ve watched him ever since college [at Washington] and was a big fan of his brother [Jrue] Then, when I got to play with Justin, I was like, ‘Wow, it runs in the family.’ I’m a huge fan of Justin.’’"

Holiday established himself as a solid role player in the league when he was a member of the 2015 NBA champion Golden State Warriors. Now having been given the confidence of new head coach Jeff Hornacek, the undrafted Holiday is enjoying the most productive season of his career.

Prior to the Knicks’ last game, Holiday had enjoyed the best stretch of the season. Over four games, Holiday averaged 13.0 points on 56.3 percent shooting to go along with 3.5 rebounds in 22.3 minutes per game. His advanced numbers during this four-game stretch were extremely impressive:

Holiday On Court:

Offensive Rating (Knicks’ points per 100 possessions):  122.4

Defensive Rating (Opposition points per 100 possessions): 104.0

Holiday Off Court:

Offensive Rating: 110.7

Defensive Rating: 118.3

During this stretch, Holiday was also a +37 overall when on the floor. Inexplicably, he played just five minutes in the Knicks’ latest loss to the Phoenix Suns.

Highlights

Check out the highlights below for Holiday’s season high of 17 points during a loss to the Toronto Raptors.

So amidst the dramas surrounding the Knicks this season, be it their on-court performance or questionable off-season signings, the performance of Holiday has certainly been a pleasant surprise.