Finding one player the Atlanta Hawks could sign away from the Indiana Pacers.
Continuing our series to find one player from each team the Atlanta Hawks could sign this off-season. We’re onto the Indiana Pacers, who will be the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference when play resumes in Orlando.
The team is in a good position, with a talented, deep roster that is mostly set to return next season. Only a trio of players will be entering free agency this fall, with one name holding more weight than the others.
That’s Justin Holiday, a journeyman wing who finally had his big breakout season at the age of 30. With the Pacers – Holiday’s 7th team in as many years – he turned into an elite 3-and-D guard, making 42 percent of his deep shots and providing head-turning perimeter defense.
He’s a sleeper to get a huge payday this off-season thanks to a weak free agency class, and all 30 teams would love his two-way value. The Atlanta Hawks, who have made strides to help their defense and outside shooting, still need help in both areas, making Holiday a key target to sign this fall.
It would actually be a reunion of sorts, as Holiday played 26 games for the Atlanta Hawks in the 2015-2016 season, averaging just ten minutes per game. If they’re able to sign him for the ’20-’21 season, Holiday could be either a high-volume sixth man or start in the backcourt next to Trae Young.
The signing would be a big step in completing the Hawks’ defense that has been improving with the additions of De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish on the perimeter, and Clint Capela in the paint.
Justin Holiday is a high-level team defender and a consistent three-point threat, two things the Atlanta Hawks drastically need to add this off-season.
Should the Atlanta Hawks sign Justin Holiday this off-season?