Holiday’s time to shine here sooner than expected

<p>Every year at this time, NBA franchises unveil their rookie/free agent roster, a collection of unfamiliar names and games about to embark on Summer League play.</p><p>In light of recent events, I’ll pay close attention to Indiana Pacers boxscores.</p><p>On Friday night, starting point guard Darren Collison, a 10-year NBA veteran who has been the embodiment of professionalism, retired from professional basketball to devote more time to his family and faith.</p><p>Collison’s unexpected departure – he turns 32 in August – leaves a locker room void, as well as a statistical one. He averaged 11.2 points and a career-best six assists last season, helping the Pacers salvage respectability after Victor Olidipo was lost for the season with a knee injury.</p><p>The absence of Collison, who played four of his seasons in a Pacers uniform, is significant. At the same time, a Mensa degree isn’t required to locate the silver lining as it pertains to the future of the franchise.</p><p>Literally and figuratively, the ball is in Aaron Holiday’s hands.</p><p>Holiday is nine years younger than Collison, a fellow former UCLA player. Indiana drafted Holiday 23rd overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, allowing him to spend his rookie season backing up Collison and Cory Joseph while contributing to the best of his ability when called upon.</p><p>Playing in 50 games, Holiday averaged 5.9 points and 1.7 assists a game.</p><p>People who watch every minute of every Pacers game (I don’t) rave about Holiday’s potential as a floor general. It’s up to Pacers brass to decide whether someone turning 23 in September is ready for such responsibility.</p><p>Joseph is an unrestricted free agent; there’s mumbling about former first-round pick Ricky Rubio possibly being signed to solidify the position. The Pacers have questions, some of which can be answered when they start Summer League play Saturday night in Las Vegas.</p><p>Scanning Indiana’s 14-player summer roster, I can honestly say I’ve heard of four of them. Holiday and the Pacers’ recent first-round selection, 19-year-old center Goga Bitadze, are most intriguing because of the roles they could play next season.</p><p>If curious, I can almost find the team’s Summer League games on some cable TV station. Frankly, they’re pretty dull unless one or more players excel.</p><p>Aaron Holiday, that’s your que.</p>