Entering December, the Houston Rockets (8-8) have elevated from a bottom-tier lottery team in recent years to a potential 2023-24 playoff squad after an offseason spending spree that included acquiring Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks and hiring Ime Udoka as head coach.
Rockets guard Aaron Holiday, who was among the veteran free agent signings for an otherwise young Rockets team, recently spoke with HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto about how those veteran newcomers have worked to change Houston’s culture.
Other interview topics include whether the NBA is still sleeping on Houston; the development of Alperen Sengun; how Holiday has taken advantage of his own opportunity with the Rockets, and more.
Now 27 years old, Holiday averages 6.1 points (45.2% FG, 35.1% on 3-pointers) and 2.0 assists in 18.4 minutes as Houston’s backup point guard. He’s a trusted perimeter defender for Udoka, as well.
Transcripts of select portions of Holiday’s interview are available below, with the complete question-and-answer (Q&A) transcript available as part of Scotto’s latest NBA notebook at HoopsHype.
Surprised by Houston’s play?
Q: Are you surprised by Houston’s play so far this season?
Aaron Holiday: No, I wouldn’t say I’m surprised. I think I noticed how good we were in training camp when we were competing and locking into the new system, coverages, and plays. I could tell then that we’d surprised a lot of people. I really meant that.
Are other teams noticing?
Q: Do you think now other players or executives around the league have noticed that, or do you still feel slept on a bit?
Aaron Holiday: I feel a little bit of both. We’ve played our best basketball at home. On the road, we have yet to win one, but we’re right there. We’re fighting neck and neck. It’s usually a couple of possessions to end a game on the road that we lose. I think we’re getting closer to people starting to respect us a little more. Obviously, when we come out with the defensive intensity that we have and our offense is clicking, we’re a tough team to beat.
Other reasons for turnaround?
Q: Are there any other reasons for the collective turnaround?
Aaron Holiday: We have a good group of veterans and a good mixture of vets and young guys with coach Udoka, who’s done a great job of mixing us together and having a great game plan. I feel like we’re never going into a game blindsided by anything. We usually have a great game plan, and we stick with it, unless we have to make adjustments. They do a good job of putting scouting reports together for us. We’ve got a lot of smart guys on our team. Sometimes, you just need a little help. I think bringing the veterans that we have been really helpful to the young guys.
Relationship with Ime Udoka
Q: What’s your relationship with Ime Udoka, being coached by him?
Aaron Holiday: It’s been great, honestly. At first, I didn’t know what to expect. Obviously, I knew he was a good coach, and he got his team to play hard and play defense. You just never know how they’re going to do it. Are they going to yell? Are they going to get on guys? Certain guys learn as they go. He’s not really the yelling type, but he’s firm with what he says, gets his point across, and he does a good job at it. You can tell by the way we adjusted from our first three games that we lost. After that, we made adjustments and got back on track.
Relationship with younger players
Q: How would you describe your leadership role with the younger guys on the team?
Aaron Holiday: This is probably the first place I’ve really had to be a leader. Other places, I’ve led in certain ways, but coming here, I felt that I could really help these guys out, having been in the league for six years. All I try to instill is working hard and playing the game the right way. Obviously, I help out when I can with certain things, like getting into the paint and making a kick out. For the most part, these guys are talented and just need a little bit of guidance.
Impressions of Dillon Brooks
Q: What have been your impressions of Dillon Brooks as a teammate, and what has he brought?
Aaron Holiday: He’s a great teammate. I used to play against Dillon in college. He’s pretty much the same. He plays with that edge. He’s somebody you want on your team fighting with you every day. He brings good energy and that edge I mentioned that we need on the defensive end. It helps everybody lock in and focus, knowing we’ve got somebody like him out there guarding. Offensively, he’s done a great job shooting the ball, getting to his spots, and finding guys as well. He’s been great for us.
I feel like since I’ve played him in college, he’s always had that chip on his shoulder.
Impressions of Fred VanVleet
Q: What’s Fred VanVleet been like as a teammate, and what has he brought?
Aaron Holiday: He’s been great, as well. He’s brought a lot of toughness for us. In the past, I don’t think they (Houston) has had a point guard. They’ve had great talent, but I don’t think they’ve had a point guard who doesn’t turn the ball over much. He brings a steadiness and toughness for sure. He’s been great for the young guys whenever he can on and off the court. I think he’s been a big addition. As a teammate and a person, he’s been great for us.
Advice for Jalen Green
Q: Has there been any advice you’ve offered to Jalen Green?
Aaron Holiday: When I first got here, we played. I just sprinkle in things I see that he’s doing that could help his game, like getting to the paint, playing off two, or slowing down a little bit. He’s very talented and has a lot in his bag already.
Alperen Sengun’s development
Q: How has Alperen Sengun taken the next step in his development?
Aaron Holiday: He had a big step from earlier in the year to now. He continues to get better. Ime’s coaching and the veterans are trying to help him as well. I think he’s almost unstoppable in the post. When he takes his time, faces up and takes his time, he’s pretty much unstoppable. He can pass really well, too. I think he’s just playing in a good flow. He knows when to kick and when to post up and take it to the basket. He uses pump fakes, too. He’s an intelligent player. Having guys like me, Fred and Jalen around him to shoot helps space the floor for him.
Aaron Holiday on Houston
Q: What has going to Houston meant for you and the opportunity you’ve had?
Aaron Holiday: It means the world. I’m still playing in the NBA, which is not something everybody can say. This is my sixth year. I’m blessed, and I don’t take that for granted. Coming here, I decided to play my role and do the things that I’m asked to do.
When the opportunity came about, I was ready for it because I worked so hard. My teammates have done a great job of finding me for some threes. I’ve tried to come in and be a steady guard. I know we’re young, and I know how that is because I’ve been there before.
I’m trying to make sure everything is slowed down a little bit, and we get into our sets for good shots. Defensively, I try to pick up and change the pace of the game. It’s a great spot for me. I’m happy Houston wanted me. Once they did, I knew it was the spot for me.
Expectations for the Rockets
Q: What are fair expectations for the Rockets looking ahead this season?
Aaron Holiday: In my opinion, I think we’re for sure going to make a playoff push. I feel like we’re good enough. Our defense is amazing. I feel like that’s our staple. Offensively, we can score with the best of them for sure. If our defense is on point and we’re doing what we’re supposed to do, I feel like we’re a tough team to beat. I believe we’re going to get to the playoffs this year, for sure.
Anything outsiders don’t know?
Q: Is there anything else about the Rockets that, from the outside looking in that, people wouldn’t know about the team?
Aaron Holiday: I feel like people are surprised that we’re winning and how well we’re playing, especially at home. We’re a great group of guys. Everyone gets along. Everybody is cool with each other. That’s a good thing in itself. We really want each other to win and be successful.
HoopsHype’s complete notebook
Story: Why the Warriors may trade Chris Paul if they continue to underwhelm by @YossiGozlan. How the Pistons got here by @FrankUrbina_. Who’s leading the Sixth Man of the Year race by @TikotDeRoa. My chat with Aaron Holiday on the Rockets. More @hoopshype. https://t.co/38xjfnMl98
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) December 1, 2023
