Thunderous Intentions
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NBA Draft: Guard Aaron Holiday brings strong lineage to pros

By Alex Mcewen

DAYTON, OH - MARCH 13: Aaron Holiday #3 of the UCLA Bruins reacts against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies during the first half of the First Four game in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 13, 2018 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
DAYTON, OH - MARCH 13: Aaron Holiday #3 of the UCLA Bruins reacts against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies during the first half of the First Four game in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 13, 2018 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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NBA Draft - Aaron Holiday
LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 9: UCLA guard Aaron Holiday (3) looks on during the semifinal game of the mens Pac-12 Tournament between the UCLA Bruins and the Arizona Wildcats on March 9, 2018, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Pro Comparison

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Aaron Holiday pro comparisons include but are not limited to Brandon Knight, Trey Burke, and Lindsey Hunter.

My comparison for Holiday is DJ Augustin, the two players closely resemble each other. Undersized, good shooting, spark plug backup point guards, Augustin has been a journeyman throughout his career and it would not be surprising if Holiday followed in his footsteps.

Where is projected on NBA Draft boards and rankings

  • DraftExpress (ESPN): 17th
  • NBA DraftNet: 28th
  • CBS Sports: 19th
  • Sports Illustrated: 20th
  • Bleacher Report: 16th
  • Basketball Insiders: 22nd
  • The Ringer Kevin O’Connor: 23rd

How Holiday could fit with the OKC Thunder

Beloved OKC Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook is a proud UCLA alum, during his 2018 exit interview, Westbrook wore a UCLA hat and t-shirt. However, Earl Watson is the only other player to play for UCLA and the Thunder.

I think Holiday would fit well on the Thunder, especially if his shooting travels to the NBA. If contract negotiations with free agent Raymond Felton fall through, the former Bruin would be a fine replacement.

It’s unlikely Holiday is drafted by the Thunder since they do not own a first-round pick. It would be intriguing to see him playing alongside one of his Brothers on the Bulls or Pelicans.

Next: Playmaking sharpshooter Jerome Robinson climbs ranking lists

That scenario is a long shot as well. Wherever Holiday gets drafted he will be a solid backup point guard.

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