Should the Sacramento Kings Pursue a Trade for Jrue Holiday?
By Rafe Wong
Height: 6’4 Weight: 205
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The Player: According to a tweet by Chris Broussard (ESPN Sports Analyst), the Sacramento Kings are looking to add another point guard to their roster before next season, and Jrue Holiday is a potential candidate.
There’s a lot to like in Holiday’s game. On the offensive side of the court he is versatile in both size and skill. Although his primary position is point guard, he stands at 6’4 and weighs 205 lb, so he is capable of playing the two guard position if needed. For his skills, Holiday has the ability to pass, slash, and shoot the ball effectively, which makes him an offensive asset. Plus on the defensive end he has the size and athleticism to be able to hold his own.
The question with Holiday has never been his skills or production on the court, it has been his health. Since being with the New Orleans Pelicans, Holiday has only played 74 games with the team in the last two seasons due to injuries.
Because of this, we’re not very sure how reliable Holiday can be health wise. Other than that, Holiday seems to be (and should) a prime candidate for the Kings if they are indeed looking for a point guard.
Statistics: Throughout Holiday’s career, his statistics have been pretty good. His career numbers in PPG/APG/RPG are 13.6/6.1/3.6 and his numbers this season were 14.8/6.9/3.4 (in 40 games). To reiterate, Holiday’s stats reflect on what he does offensively. He can score the ball (both shooting and driving) and can also make plays for others with his passing ability.
On defensive end, his numbers are not as bright. Although in his career he averages 1.5 steals a contest, and this season averaged 1.6, he also recorded a defensive rating this season of 105.3, which is pretty high. Based on his size and athleticism he should be at least a solid defender. Whether he is or not, the numbers do not necessarily reflect it.
If Holiday does become a King this offseason, expect him to contribute offensively, and hopefully defensively as well.
The Acquisition: Right now Holiday is in the midst of a four-year contract that ends in 2017, so the only way for the Kings to acquire the former All-Star is by trade. I can see a realistic deal between the Kings and Pelicans that brings Holiday to Sacramento.
If the Kings were to move a couple of pieces (players not as expensive) for Holiday, I can see the Pelicans possibly accepting that. So instead of the Kings emptying their wallets on players like Rajon Rondo or Jeremy Lin, they can pay less for someone just as good (in my opinion better) in Holiday.
The Fit: The Kings are not in a desperate need for a point guard, but depth in the position would help immensely. Right now the Kings have Darren Collison who was solid last season, but Andre Miller who is on his last limb, and Ray McCallum who hasn’t proven to be a reliable option yet. If the Kings can add another point guard that can upgrade the bench, or even start alongside Collison, I think could help the Kings greatly moving forward.
In terms of his skillset, I think Holiday also fits in with the Kings. He can do a bit of everything. Whether you need him to score or distribute on the offensive end, he can do both. And like I mentioned before, I believe he can play at the two guard position as well, so George Karl can move him around in the depth chart if he wishes.
Final Thoughts: The addition of Jrue Holiday would be a “I wouldn’t hate or love situation” for me. His recent past with injuries are a concern. Only playing 74 games (not including playoffs) in his last two seasons makes his reliability on the court quesionable, plus the cost of him to be on the team would also be a gamble alone for the Kings to take as well.
On the other hand, the Kings do need talent, and Holiday is no question a great talent. He definitely has game, and to have a point guard duo in him and Collison (Bruin Reunion) would be great for the Kings future.