With Russell Westbrook retired, the Sacramento Kings need a veteran point guard to help Darius Acuff Jr. As it turns out, Aaron Holiday is still an unrestricted free agent looking for his next spot. And he could be the exact kind of mentor Acuff needs to fulfill his NBA potential.
When it comes to the point guard position, the Kings are in a rough place. Acuff is talented, but he's also a rookie with only one season of college experience. Not only does he not have a proper mentor on the Kings, he doesn't have a proper backup at the one. He's literally their only point guard.
Sacramento has Malik Monk and Adam Flagler who can help out. The problem is that they are shooting guards first and point guards second. They're not equipped to be proper secondaries or to mentor Acuff in his new role. It's an issue that definitely needs to be dealt with.
The Kings did make an offer to Westbrook, but he chose retirement. Sacramento's front office has also been talking to Victor Oladipo, who is working on an NBA return. He's a great player, but he's still not a proper point guard. Oladipo can help Acuff with his game to an extent. This isn't the fix.
It's time for the Kings to book a Holiday
No one is suggesting that the Kings shouldn't sign Oladipo. He could be huge for their defensive presence. Still, there are a few interesting point guards who are free agents and could also be signed for a veteran minimum. That includes Holiday, who finished up a one-year contract with the Rockets.
Holiday is 29-years-old, and was a first-round pick in the 2018 draft. Since then, he's been a point guard with the Pacers, Wizards, Suns, Hawks, and, of course, the Rockets. He makes a solid-bencher, but isn't the kind of guy who a team is going to put on the court as a regular starter.
The man is a reliable three-point shooter who heats up off the bench in bursts. On top of that, Holiday is a gritty defender who is known for heavy pressure and quick hands. Plus, he's an excellent low-turnover connector on offensive possessions and a reliable secondary playmaker.
While Holiday isn't the same kind of point guard as Acuff, he has a lot he can teach the rookie that will round out his game. Plus, Holiday also makes a great backup point guard. He's also more than eligible for a veteran minimum contract, making him an affordable option alongside Oladipo.
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