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Brooklyn Nets NBA Draft prospect: Aaron Holiday

By Chris Milholen

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Aaron Holiday #28 looks on during the NBA Draft Combine Day 1 at the Quest Multisport Center on May 17, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Aaron Holiday #28 looks on during the NBA Draft Combine Day 1 at the Quest Multisport Center on May 17, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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After a breakout junior season with the UCLA Bruins, point guard Aaron Holiday has announced he will forgo his senior year and enter the 2018 NBA Draft. The Brooklyn Nets should heavily consider drafting Holiday with their 29th overall pick if he still on the board.

Aaron Holiday has proven he is an NBA ready all-around point guard. The UCLA guard has played numerous roles in his three seasons with the Bruins. That not only improves his draft stock but makes him a player the Brooklyn Nets need.

During his freshman year, Holiday proved he was one of the best guards in the Pac-12 conference. He was one of the Bruins’ leaders, starting all 32 games, averaging 10.3 points per game. He led the team in steals (1.4 per game) and in three-point field goal percentage (41.9%). That 41.9% from three-point range ranked sixth in the Pac-12 conference.

Holiday had a major change of scenery during his sophomore year. He was moved to the bench, taking on the sixth man role. Holiday lost his starting job to Lonzo Ball, who now plays for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The bench role didn’t faze Holiday’s confidence or give him any problems. Despite the drop in playing time, Holiday had himself a more productive season. UCLA’s head coach Steve Alford commonly ran a small ball offense using three to four guards in his lineups.

RELATED STORY: Kenny Atkinson talks draft, Nets’ next steps

When the 2017 NCAA Tournament came around, UCLA was given the No.3 seed but would eventually lose to Kentucky in the Sweet 16.

For the year Holiday averaged 12.3 points and 4.4 assists per game. He averaged just under 26 minutes per game and was named as an honorable mention for the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team.

Shortly after the NCAA Tournament came to a close, Holiday declared for the NBA Draft but would later withdraw and regain his college eligibility and return to UCLA.

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Going into his junior year, Holiday wanted to prove he is an NBA ready point guard. He was granted back his starting point guard role due to Ball’s exit for the 2017 NBA Draft. Although Holiday was the starter at guard, he would have to share the position with freshman Jaylen Hands. Both guards would switch on and off between point guard and shooting guard giving UCLA one of the most dominant back-courts in the conference.

Throughout his junior season, Holiday was consistent on both ends of the floor. His consistent play put him firmly in the discussion for Pac-12 Player of the Year and pushed UCLA back to the NCAA Tournament.

Although qualifying for the 2018 NCAA Tournament, Holiday and the Bruins’ were upset in the first round by St. Bonaventure.

The Bruins’ guard finished his junior season averaging 20.3 points, 5.8 assists, and 37.7 minutes per game. His 20.3 points and 37.7 minutes per game led the Pac-12 conference.

Holiday earned himself first-team All Pac-12 and third-team All American honors. He was also granted Pac-12 All-Defensive Team honors.

The UCLA guard is arguably one of the most NBA ready players in this years draft class. Holiday is expected to be a late first round pick.

NBA Draft Combine 

Holiday had an impressive NBA Draft Combine. He proved in the combine that he is a safe first round pick and he is excited for any team that drafts him.

Max Vertical 33”

Standing Vertical 25.5”

Lane Agility 10.96 sec

3/4 Court Sprint 3.27 sec

NBA Shuttle Drill 3.22 sec

Holiday finished in the top tier of guards at the NBA Draft Combine.

How he fits with the Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets have the 29th overall pick in next month’s NBA Draft. If Holiday is still on the board, its a no brainer for the Nets to draft him.

Holiday’s play and profile is a perfect fit for Brooklyn’s guard needs. The Nets are a small ball offensive team filled with guards. Although the Nets are guard heavy, they need defensive guards.

D’Angelo Russell is primarily a scoring guard. He thrives on the offensive end but lacks defensive abilities. Joe Harris has a strong defensive mindset but is currently an unrestricted free agent.

The Nets have proven their offensive strengths running a small ball offense but they need defense. Holiday can provide needed back-court pressure for Brooklyn off the bench.

Offensively, the Bruins’ guard fits in well with coach Kenny Atkinson’s offense. The Nets offense revolves around the guard play. Holiday has proven he can be a leader on the offensive end.

Next: Nets 2018 NBA Draft prospect: Tyus Battle

The 6’1 guard thrives scoring and distributing the ball. When his mind is set on scoring, he is a nightmare for defenders. He is a strong consistent shooter from three-point range and can aggressively drive to the basket looking for contact.

If Holiday was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets, he would become a sixth man. He played the sixth man role with UCLA his sophomore year and thrived. His play on both ends of the floor is a strong need for the Nets.

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