2018 NBA Mock Draft: Promises, promises

The Suns have hosted a parade of guard and wing prospects throughout the draft process, ranging from local college stars to mid-major unknowns. They clearly want to have their homework done come draft night. The only player, however, they’ve had in for two workouts is Holiday.

“Whoever wants you to come in for a second workout, that just means they want you,” Holiday told azcentral sports last week.

Holiday is one of the better shooters Phoenix has brought in over the last month, knocking down 42 percent of his 3s in three seasons at UCLA. That scoring mindset — and the ability to make spot-up jumpers — makes him a logical fit next to Suns star Devin Booker. As a junior, Holiday also increased his assist percentage while also cutting down on turnovers, a good indicator of growth as a playmaker.

However, in that azcentral report and elsewhere, Holiday has been described as having a “defensive mindset,” something that is not supported by his play. He actually got worse statistically creating turnovers each season in college and is undersized at 6-1. Perhaps that reputation is backed by an impression talent evaluators get seeing his brothers, Jrue and Justin, play good defense in the NBA.

Holiday will have to hope he becomes an incredibly efficient offensive role player and that his 6-8 wingspan is more useful in the NBA. The Suns seem to have bought in.