Chicago Bulls 2017-18 player preview: Justin Holiday

Previewing the Chicago Bulls 2017-2018 roster, player by player. Today we’re taking a look at a wing who the Bulls re-acquired this offseason, Justin Holiday.

Justin Holiday has already had one brief yet solid stint with the Chicago Bulls as a reserve forward. Now, after an unfortunate sojourn in New York, Holiday’s back in the Windy City for another go. And though he’ll likely just settle in as a role player just as before, this rebuilding period will certainly give the formerly undrafted forward a chance to stick with the Bulls long-term.

Last Season

Holiday went to the New York Knicks in 2016 as a low-key addition to the package that sent Derrick Rose to the Big Apple in exchange for Jerian Grant and Robin Lopez. Though Rose obviously was the centerpiece of the trade, I also thought the Knicks were getting a solid young player in Holiday.

And he proved himself a valuable contributor to the Knicks’ bench, one of a few silver linings in an otherwise lost year.

Now, you might be thinking, what’s so great about 7.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 20 minutes per game? Well, as always, a deeper dive into the stats can tell us more.Holiday achieved career-highs in both field goal percentage (43.3%) and true shooting percentage (54.9%), showing an increased comfort offensively. He also produced his two highest win share totals for both offense (1.3) and defense (1.2). So while his raw statistics won’t wow anyone, his value reached beyond the stat sheet in his limited role.

Holiday achieved career-highs in both field goal percentage (43.3%) and true shooting percentage (54.9%), showing an increased comfort offensively. He also produced his two highest win share totals for both offense (1.3) and defense (1.2). So while his raw statistics won’t wow anyone, his value reached beyond the stat sheet in his limited role.

What to Expect This Season

Though Holiday will likely continue coming off the bench in his second go-round with the Chicago Bulls, I expect his role to expand some on this roster.

More from Da Windy City

For one thing, the fact that Holiday can shoot at least decently immediately makes him a valuable commodity to the Bulls. Following a career-best three-point percentage of 43.3% with the Bulls in 2016, Holiday shot 35.5% last season, approximately the league average. That’s something the Bulls as a team weren’t able to do. In fact, they only ended up at 34% for the season due to a March hot streak; otherwise, they hovered close to 30%. Bottom line: Holiday can shoot the ball at least decently, and that’s going to get him on the floor.

However, the biggest aspect in which he’ll help the Chicago Bulls is being an active wing defender. As of right now, the Bulls are a bit short on those.

Holiday’s 6’6″ size and seven-foot wingspan serve him well when forced to defend perimeter scorers. And his athleticism gives him the versatility to guard several positions on the floor. As such, Holiday can be deployed to cover up the defensive flaws of offensive-minded players like Zach LaVine or to pair with fellow defensive stalwarts like Kris Dunn to even out his lack of shooting.

Next: Most important Bulls players to watch this season

The addition of Holiday won’t change the fate of this Chicago Bulls season. This team likely will still be very, very bad.

But if nothing else, Holiday will get a chance to carve out a role on this Bulls team and possibly settle in with Chicago. After a few years of drifting about the league, both the Bulls and Holiday would love for him to find a home here.

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