Justin Holiday hopes to find a role on the New York Knicks after being shipped from Chicago in the Derrick Rose trade.
Justin Holiday was a throw in with Derrick Rose in the blockbuster trade that brought them from Chicago to the New York Knicks.
Rose’s role as starting point guard is well secured, but Holiday will need to compete for playing time. In a Q&A with ESPN.com he spoke about this, among other topics.
The Knicks are Holiday’s fifth team in just four years in the NBA so he’ll be looking for a permanent home and as a shooting guard he’ll compete for backup minutes with incumbent Sasha Vujacic.
Holiday spoke about where he might fit in on the roster.
“I think I fit well. One thing I pride myself on is being, one, coachable and two, able to adjust in any situation I’m in. I’ve played in a lot of different offenses. I’ve played with a lot of different people. And I think being a part of this team, and also having Derrick with me, who I’m familiar with, I think I’ll mesh well with these guys.”
He also mentioned that he is from Los Angeles, and grew up a Lakers fan. Naturally, it meant a lot to him to meet Phil Jackson. Holiday was asked about speaking to Jackson, general manager Steve Mills, and head coach Jeff Hornacek.
“One, I’m from LA. I grew up a Laker fan. To be able to speak to Phil and him bringing me in and wanting me to be a part of this team was an honor. And speaking with coach, we all know coach’s career and (I appreciate) the opportunity to learn from him and, also, the opportunity to learn the game from both of those people.
Holiday’s had trouble finding playing time in the league so coming into a new situation will be good for the veteran shooting guard.
Holiday, 27, has spent time in the D-league and played the entire 2013-14 season in Europe. In total, he’s only appeared in 121 games over three seasons.
