Q&A With Justin Holiday: Warriors’ backup guard talks challenges, goals and highlights
Despite early season concerns on how the hole at the backup shooting guard would be addressed, Justin Holiday has given Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors a reliable option off the bench, fitting in nicely on both sides of the ball with the second unit.
Our thanks to Holiday for taking the time out to answer these six questions for us. Below, he talks about the challenges he faced playing overseas, his goals for the season, and his favorite highlights thus far:
BMH: The Warriors signed you after training camp, and many thought you would be the 15th man on the roster. But now, you’re averaging 17 minutes per game over your last ten games. How did you manage to keep yourself ready and motivated until your time came? And did Coach Kerr tell you you would be contributing in a big way when you first joined?
Holiday: I knew even though I was not playing, I needed to keep myself ready. I wanted to improve everyday so I continued to work, not only to stay prepared, but to become a better player — period. I have always tried to give 100% in whatever I do, regardless the size or importance of the task. I also have great examples on this team on how to be professional as well as a reliable and consistent teammate. The better I am, the more effective I can be in preparing my teammates for the game and vice-versa. Coach Kerr did let me know early on that I would get a chance to play a little. But I never could have predicted this.
BMH: What kind of personal goals did you set for yourself at the beginning of the year and how have they changed up until this point?
Holiday: My first goal was to make the team and then to stay for the remainder of the season. My next goal was to work on my game, stay ready, and try to improve as much as possible. And when given the opportunity to play, I just wanted to do whatever I could to help the team win. I still have those same goals and desires.
BMH: You played a few years overseas. What was the biggest challenge during that time?
Holiday: I had to adjust to a whole new world, one without family or friends at my side. Nothing was the same as being back home. And when I say nothing, I really mean on every level, large and small. You take for granted how easy it is to communicate with loved ones with a simple text or call. Emails became my new form of basic communication and Skype was the closest I got to sharing my new life with my family. Simple trips to the grocery store were restricted with early closing hours and language barriers, and I missed my favorite snacks/food from home.
BMH: Your brother, Jrue, is a former All-Star in this league. What advice has he given you as you transition into the NBA?
Holiday: Just to play my game and stay confident. It’s a long season and you have to have a short memory. Meaning, whatever happened yesterday, good or bad, is in the past. In this industry, you need to keep moving forward and learn from your mistakes.
BMH: It’s been a great, historic season for the team filled with highlights. What has been your favorite play or moment this year?
Holiday: Man, that’s a good question. There are a lot of moments that stand out, so I will share one of my personal highlights and one I witnessed as a teammate on the sideline.
You know as a kid, you’re in the backyard shooting jumpers and simultaneously announcing the imaginary game you’re playing in? When I made the fast break pull up three against OKC at home and the crowd went crazy, it felt like that childhood moment had become a reality.
The other memory that stands out [is] this one game, Steph [Curry] had a big man guarding him on the right wing. As we all know, the big man had no chance. Steph made his move and fired a three-ball, and before it went in he patted the guy on his back like, “good try”, and turns and runs down the court. Of course, the ball went in.
BMH: I noticed a few of the players posted a video of you all on the plane listening to “We Dem Boyz.” Is this going to be the next big thing for this team?
Holiday: I don’t know, we will have to see. You never know with this group of guys.
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