Key veteran reveals why he chose the Dallas Mavericks over other options
Mavericks veteran swingman explains why Dallas was the right spot for what he brings to the table.
DALLAS — Justin Holiday wasted no time showing everyone why he'd be a difference-maker.
In the Mavericks' 142-116 win over the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center on Thursday, Holiday went on a blitz, scoring 15 points on five made 3-point jump shots (5-for-6) and a host of celebrations that made him look more like a Mavericks veteran than a newcomer.
His play, so startling and unexpected, brought head coach Jason Kidd to admit following the game that Holiday is a guy that could start on the Mavericks moving forward.
"He can start here," Kidd said with assurance. "He’s a pro, he’s been in the league, won a championship, he’s happy to be here, and he’s going to do whatever it takes to help his team win."
Kidd wasn't the only one smiling. After the game, Holiday was all smiles as well. That is to be expected. He went from playing sporadically in 28 Atlanta Hawks games to playing big minutes on a Mavericks team primed to compete with a dominant guard pairing in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Talk about a change of fate. He recognizes that shift, he said. He sought a way out of Atlanta to try and join a contender. And his reasoning for choosing Dallas indicates that winning a championship is something he believes can happen with the Mavs.
"Other than Kyrie and Luka?" Holiday joked when asked why he chose Dallas. "I have always loved playing here. This organization has always been a championship-caliber organization. I wanted to be a part of that, as well as how good this team actually is. Yes, we have Luka and Kyrie, but we have a lot of good players that know how to fit into the different spots and are happy for each other."
Holiday also added that playing for Kidd is special. As a former player, Kidd understands and relates to him in a way that is often difficult for most coaches, Holiday said. That showed in the veteran guard's debut. Kidd liked the shots Holiday took — primarily from the corners, serving as a release valve for Irving and Doncic.
And Kidd also enjoyed the freedom Holiday played with — a product of the empowerment he offered the former NBA champion as soon as he arrived in Dallas.
"He just wants me to be me," Holiday said of Kidd. "He understands the game, so he knows things aren't going to be perfect. And he understands that I play the game hard. I am a vet, I played long enough. I know how to do any and everything. So, he is not worried. It makes it easy for me to fit in… He just always says go and be you."
There is something to be said for Holiday's play in Irving and Doncic's first win together. He knows that when on the floor with either of those two, he will receive bundles of open jump shots. If he knocks them down at the rate he did against San Antonio, Dallas' already potent offense really could become the NBA's latest unsolvable puzzle.
Related Dallas Mavericks reading
"Maverick: What to know about NBA champion Justin Holiday."
"Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic will work as a duo for an obvious reason."
Feature image via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports.
