Fansided

NBA Rookie Rankings: 5 guys under the most pressure

By Rucker Haringey

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 14: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings reacts during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 14, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 14: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings reacts during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 14, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 09: Aaron Holiday #3 of the Indiana Pacers drives to the basket during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 9, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 09: Aaron Holiday #3 of the Indiana Pacers drives to the basket during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 9, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

4. Aaron Holiday

As soon as Victor Oladipo suffered a season-ending injury the expectations for Holiday increased. He’s not supposed to be the Pacers No. 1 option, but he needs to give them instant bursts of offense off the bench if they’re going to make any kind of postseason run.

That’s probably Holiday’s ceiling in the NBA. His lack of size and elite playmaking skills will make it difficult for him to ever be a starter on a good team. Fortunately, that’s not what Indiana needs out of their first-round draft pick.

Holiday’s shown flashes of real quality this year, but he’s still only playing 11.8 minutes per night on the campaign. His run has increased after the Oladipo injury, but he hasn’t done a good job of maximizing his opportunity.

Remember, the Pacers would be the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference if the playoffs began today. If they really want to hold off the likes of Boston and Philadelphia for that spot, they’re going to need everyone to play better basketball. Holiday can do that by shooting better than 29.5 percent from 3. He needs to be instant offense.

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