Chicago Bulls: 3 unlikely candidates for a breakout season in 2018-19
3. Justin Holiday
When the Bulls signed Justin Holiday to a two-year deal following the 2016-17 campaign, he was coming off a then career-best season as a member of the New York Knicks. He appeared in all 82 games, posting averages of 7.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists per contest on shooting splits of .433/.355/.825.
At the very least, the Bulls knew they were acquiring a serviceable player who could thrive in a reserve role. However, with Zach LaVine still on the mend from an ACL injury, Holiday was inserted into the starting lineup, and he played reasonably well, for the most part.
For the second consecutive year, Holiday’s production improved. In 72 appearances for Chicago last season, he averaged 12.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.
Justin Holiday had himself a game in a spirited effort in Cleveland tonight, dropping 25 (4-7 from downtown) on the Cavs: pic.twitter.com/QiWPZCxirQ
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 25, 2017
Yes, he tends to take a lot of highly contested shots. Yes, his overall shooting numbers dipped a bit, as shot just 37.1 percent from the field.
On the other hand, Holiday did provide the Bulls with some scoring punch until LaVine returned. Additionally, once Lauri Markkanen is back in the lineup, Holiday will return to the bench where he should thrive being that he won’t be asked to carry the scoring load to the extent he did last season.