Aaron Holiday
Aaron Shawn Holiday (born September 30, 1996) is an American professional basketball player who serves as a point guard for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA).[1] The youngest of three NBA-playing brothers—alongside Jrue Holiday of the Milwaukee Bucks and Justin Holiday of the Denver Nuggets—Holiday has carved out a role as a versatile guard known for his speed, playmaking, and perimeter shooting.[2][3] Holiday played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins from 2014 to 2018, appearing in 101 games with 65 starts and averaging 14.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game across his career.[4] In his senior season, he earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors after averaging 20.3 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game while leading the Pac-12 in scoring.[4][5] Selected 23rd overall by the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft, Holiday signed a four-year rookie contract worth approximately $8.5 million.[6][7] In his NBA career, Holiday has played for five teams, beginning with three seasons in Indiana where he appeared in 135 games, averaging 5.5 points and 1.3 assists per game.[6] Traded to the Washington Wizards in August 2021 as part of a sign-and-trade deal, he was quickly moved to the Phoenix Suns before the 2021-22 season, contributing off the bench with 6.7 points per game in 20 appearances.[6] He then signed with the Atlanta Hawks for the 2022-23 season, averaging 4.5 points in 76 games, and signed with the Houston Rockets ahead of the 2023-24 season.[6] The Rockets exercised their team option on Holiday for the 2025-26 season. As of the 2025-26 season, Holiday has appeared in 505 regular-season games with 82 starts, posting career averages of 6.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 42.8% from the field and 38.7% from three-point range.[6][8][1] In December 2019, the Holiday brothers made NBA history as the first trio of siblings to appear in the same game during a matchup between the Pacers, Bucks, and Grizzlies.[3]Early life and education
Childhood and family
Aaron Holiday was born on September 30, 1996, in Ruston, Louisiana. His family soon relocated to Chatsworth, California, in the San Fernando Valley, where he spent his formative years. This move placed the Holidays in a basketball-rich environment in Los Angeles, fostering early connections to the sport.[9] Holiday's parents, Shawn and Toya Holiday, instilled a strong athletic foundation, as both had competed in college basketball at Arizona State University. Shawn Holiday played as a guard for the Sun Devils from 1981 to 1983, averaging 3.1 points and 2.5 assists per game during his tenure. Toya Holiday also participated in the program, contributing to the family's deep-rooted passion for the game that permeated their household.[10][11] As the youngest of four siblings, Aaron grew up alongside older brothers Justin and Jrue Holiday, as well as sister Lauren. Justin and Jrue both forged successful NBA careers, with Jrue earning multiple All-Star selections and defensive honors. Their accomplishments profoundly inspired Aaron, who often looked up to them as role models; the family home in Chatsworth was adorned with trophies from the brothers' achievements, serving as constant motivation. Shawn Holiday noted that the siblings' competitive dynamic, including intense one-on-one matchups, shaped Aaron's drive from a young age.[12][6][13] Aaron's initial foray into basketball occurred through informal family practices in the backyard, where he honed skills against his siblings, and participation in local youth leagues around the Los Angeles area. These experiences, combined with the pervasive basketball culture in his home, ignited his interest and laid the groundwork for his athletic development.[14][2]High school career
Aaron Holiday attended Campbell Hall School in North Hollywood, California, playing varsity basketball for the Vikings from his freshman through senior years as part of the class of 2015. Influenced by his family's basketball heritage, including older brothers Jrue and Justin who both reached the NBA, Holiday quickly emerged as a standout guard known for his quickness, scoring ability, and defensive tenacity.[12][1] As a junior in the 2013–14 season, Holiday averaged nearly 29 points, 8.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game, earning recognition as the CIF Southern Section Division IV-A Player of the Year. His performance helped showcase his all-around game, blending explosive drives to the basket with sharp playmaking.[15] In his senior year of 2014–15, Holiday posted averages of 25.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.5 steals per game while leading Campbell Hall to a 27–10 overall record. He guided the team to the CIF Southern Section Division 4A championship game, where the Vikings fell 59–55 to Maranatha, marking their first title game appearance since 2008. Holiday's leadership and scoring prowess were pivotal in the playoff run, solidifying his reputation as one of Southern California's top players.[12][16][17] Holiday concluded his high school career as a four-star recruit, ranked No. 88 nationally in the class of 2015 by ESPN, and committed to UCLA on March 3, 2014. His recruiting profile highlighted his potential as a dynamic point guard, drawing interest from multiple programs before choosing the Bruins to follow in his brother Jrue's footsteps.[18][19]College career
Freshman season
Aaron Holiday entered UCLA as a highly touted recruit, ranked among the top 60 high school prospects nationally, bringing scoring prowess from his standout career at Campbell Hall High School where he averaged 25 points per game as a senior.[5] As a freshman during the 2015–16 season, Holiday quickly assumed a starting role for the UCLA Bruins, appearing in all 32 games and starting every one, averaging 31.7 minutes per contest. He contributed 10.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and a team-high 4.0 assists per game, showcasing his playmaking ability with 127 total assists—the fifth-most by a UCLA freshman in school history.[5][20] Despite his efforts, Holiday shot 39.4% from the field and 41.9% from three-point range, reflecting the challenges of adapting to college-level defense and physicality.[5] The Bruins' season was marred by injuries to key players like Tony Parker and Isaac Hamilton, forcing Holiday into a prominent role earlier than anticipated and contributing to an overall record of 15–17, including 6–12 in Pac-12 play, which resulted in missing the postseason for the first time since 2011.[20] Holiday's transition from high school dominance to a bench-supported college lineup amid these setbacks highlighted his resilience, though the team struggled with consistency, averaging 77.5 points scored but allowing 76.7 per game. One notable performance came on December 3, 2015, when Holiday scored 13 points in an 87–77 upset victory over No. 1 Kentucky, helping UCLA snap a three-game losing streak early in the season.[21]Sophomore season
In his sophomore season during the 2016–17 campaign, Aaron Holiday transitioned to a key reserve role behind point guard Lonzo Ball, appearing in all 36 games for UCLA without starting a single one. He demonstrated significant statistical growth from his freshman year, averaging 12.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and a team-high 4.4 assists per game while shooting 48.5 percent from the field. Building on the confidence gained from his freshman NCAA Tournament experience, Holiday provided consistent scoring and playmaking off the bench, contributing to the Bruins' high-powered offense that ranked second nationally in points per game at 89.8.[5] Under head coach Steve Alford, UCLA compiled a 31–5 overall record and finished third in the Pac-12 with a 15–3 conference mark, securing a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Bruins advanced to the Sweet Sixteen, defeating BYU (86–75) and Cincinnati (79–67) before falling to Kentucky (86–75) in the regional semifinals. Holiday's versatility as a guard helped stabilize the backcourt during a season that saw the team earn an eighth-place ranking in the final AP Poll.[22] For his efforts, Holiday earned honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors, recognizing his impact as a sophomore contributor in a loaded conference. His season highlighted an expanded role in facilitating the offense and providing defensive energy, setting the stage for further development in the following year.[23]Junior season
In his junior season during the 2017–18 campaign, Aaron Holiday emerged as UCLA's primary scoring threat and floor general, starting all 33 games while averaging 20.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game.[24][5] His scoring output led the Pac-12 conference, marking a significant evolution from his sophomore year where he focused more on facilitating alongside teammate Lonzo Ball. Holiday's performance earned him first-team All-Pac-12 honors and a spot on the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team, recognizing his defensive contributions alongside his offensive prowess.[25] He also received third-team All-American recognition from Sporting News and an honorable mention from the Associated Press.[12] Ranking second in the conference in assists per game, Holiday demonstrated elite playmaking ability, often driving the Bruins' transition attack.[26] Under Holiday's leadership, UCLA finished the regular season with a 21–12 overall record and 11–7 in Pac-12 play, securing a third-place conference standing.[27] The Bruins earned an at-large bid as an 11-seed in the NCAA Tournament but were eliminated in the First Four by St. Bonaventure, 65–58. One of his standout performances came in a regular-season finale against USC, where he scored a then-career-high 34 points to help clinch a first-round bye in the Pac-12 Tournament.[28] Following the season, Holiday declared for the 2018 NBA draft on March 26, forgoing his senior year at UCLA to pursue a professional career.[29]Professional career
Indiana Pacers (2018–2021)
Aaron Holiday was selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 23rd overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft.[1] On July 1, 2018, he signed a four-year rookie scale contract worth $10.48 million with the team.[30] Holiday made his NBA debut on October 19, 2018, against the Washington Wizards, entering as a substitute and contributing to the Pacers' backcourt depth behind starters like Darren Collison and Cory Joseph.[31] His college experience as a high assist provider at UCLA briefly translated to the professional level, where he focused on perimeter defense and quick drives to the basket.[32] In his rookie 2018–19 season, Holiday appeared in 50 games off the bench, averaging 5.9 points, 1.7 assists, and 1.3 rebounds in 12.9 minutes per game.[8] He shot 40.1 percent from the field and 33.9 percent from three-point range, showing promise as a speedy guard but adjusting to the NBA's physicality and pace.[1] Holiday's role remained limited due to the established rotation, but he provided energy in spot minutes, particularly in transition plays. Holiday's development peaked in the 2019–20 season amid injuries to key starters like Victor Oladipo, leading to expanded opportunities.[33] He played in 66 games, starting 33 of them, and averaged 9.5 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 24.5 minutes per game.[8] This breakout allowed him to showcase his scoring ability, including efficient mid-range pull-ups and improved playmaking, while contributing to the Pacers' playoff push before their first-round exit. In the 2020–21 season, his role diminished with a healthier roster, as he averaged 7.2 points and 1.9 assists in 66 games, mostly as a reserve.[8] Over three seasons with the Pacers, Holiday appeared in 182 games, providing consistent bench production and occasional starting contributions.[34] On July 29, 2021, the Pacers traded him to the Washington Wizards in exchange for the 22nd overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, which they used to select Isaiah Jackson.[35]Washington Wizards (2021–2022)
On July 30, 2021, Aaron Holiday was acquired by the Washington Wizards from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for the 22nd overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft (Isaiah Jackson) and other considerations.[35] Entering his fourth NBA season, Holiday operated under the third year of his rookie scale contract, valued at $3,980,551. Holiday provided backcourt depth off the bench, drawing from his prior experience as a reserve with the Pacers where he averaged 7.0 points and 2.0 assists across 66 games in 2020-21.[1] In 41 games (14 starts) with the Wizards during the 2021-22 season, he averaged 6.1 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 16.2 minutes per game, shooting 46.7% from the field, 34.3% from three-point range, and 80.0% from the free-throw line.[1] His role expanded amid injuries to key guards like Bradley Beal, allowing him to contribute to Washington's surprising late-season surge that clinched a play-in tournament berth as the Eastern Conference's 10th seed. One standout effort came on February 7, 2022, against the Miami Heat, where Holiday tallied 14 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 28 minutes as a starter during a 121-100 loss.[36] Despite the team's overall struggles (35-47 record), Holiday's steady play helped stabilize the rotation during a stretch that included nine wins in 13 games from late January to mid-February. On February 10, 2022, the Wizards traded Holiday to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for cash considerations and a $3.4 million trade exception.[37]Phoenix Suns (2022)
On February 10, 2022, Aaron Holiday was traded from the Washington Wizards to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for cash considerations.[37] This move brought the 25-year-old guard to a contending team midway through the 2021–22 season, where he served as a depth piece behind starters Chris Paul and Devin Booker. Holiday appeared in 22 regular-season games for the Suns, averaging 6.8 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.5 rebounds in 16.3 minutes per game, primarily off the bench in non-competitive situations.[1] His efficient shooting—41.1% from the field and 44.4% from three-point range—provided occasional spark, but his minutes were sporadic due to the team's deep backcourt rotation and strong performance atop the Western Conference.[1] Holiday's role emphasized quick scoring bursts and ball-handling in garbage time, aligning with his prior experience in limited opportunities with the Wizards. The Suns advanced to the Western Conference Finals, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans and Denver Nuggets before falling to the Dallas Mavericks. Holiday contributed minimally in the postseason, playing in 6 games for a total of 20 minutes and averaging 4.0 points per game, including a 6-point effort in Game 7 of the conference finals.[38] His playoff usage underscored his status as an end-of-rotation option on a Finals-caliber roster. Holiday's stint with Phoenix ended after the season, as the Suns declined to tender him a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent on June 30, 2022.[39] This decision reflected roster adjustments to prioritize continuity around core players amid salary cap constraints.Atlanta Hawks (2022–2023)
On July 1, 2022, Aaron Holiday signed a one-year veteran's minimum contract with the Atlanta Hawks valued at $1,968,175.[40] This deal reunited him with his brother Justin Holiday, who was already on the roster, providing backcourt depth behind starters Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.[41] During the 2022–23 season, Holiday served primarily as a reserve point guard, appearing in 63 games and averaging 13.4 minutes per contest.[1] He contributed 3.9 points, 1.4 assists, and 1.2 rebounds per game while shooting 41.8% from the field and 40.9% from three-point range.[1] His role emphasized steady ball-handling and perimeter defense off the bench, helping stabilize the Hawks' rotation amid injuries and inconsistencies in the guard lineup.[42] One notable performance came on November 7, 2022, when Holiday recorded 4 points and 5 assists in 25 minutes during a 117–98 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, marking a rare matchup against his brother Jrue Holiday and contributing to the Hawks' early-season momentum. The Hawks finished the regular season with a 41–41 record, securing the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference via the play-in tournament.[43] In the playoffs, Holiday appeared in one game during the first-round series against the Boston Celtics, logging limited minutes in Atlanta's 4–2 defeat.[38] Following the season, the Hawks did not re-sign him, and Holiday became an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2023.[44]Houston Rockets (2023–present)
On July 10, 2023, Aaron Holiday signed a one-year, $2.35 million contract with the Houston Rockets as a free agent, bringing his veteran guard experience to the team's bench rotation. This move followed his stints with multiple teams, where he developed versatility as a combo guard capable of providing scoring and playmaking off the bench. During the 2023–24 season, Holiday appeared in 78 games for the Rockets, averaging 6.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 16.3 minutes per game, while shooting 44.6% from the field and 38.7% from three-point range.[1] He emerged as a key bench spark, offering efficient scoring bursts and defensive energy during Houston's push to a 41–41 record and a play-in tournament berth, his steady presence helping stabilize the young backcourt amid injuries to key players. Holiday re-signed with the Rockets on July 6, 2024, to a two-year, $9.5 million contract with a 2025-26 club option. The option was declined on June 29, 2025, and he re-signed on July 8, 2025, to a one-year, $3.08 million contract.[45][46] In the 2024–25 campaign, he played in 62 games, averaging 5.5 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 12.8 minutes, with improved three-point shooting at 39.8%.[1] His contributions as a spot-up shooter and secondary ball-handler supported the Rockets' defensive improvements, helping the team achieve a 52–30 record and secure the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference before a first-round playoff exit to the Golden State Warriors. As of November 18, 2025, in the early 2025–26 season, Holiday has averaged 4.7 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game across 14 appearances, shooting 55.6% from the field and 45.5% from three-point range in 8.3 minutes.[47] Serving as a veteran mentor on a roster centered around young talents like Jalen Green and Amen Thompson, he has embraced a situational role in Houston's ongoing rebuild, providing leadership and occasional scoring without major injuries impacting his availability. A notable highlight came on October 16, 2025, when he scored 16 points, including six free throws, in a 133–115 preseason win over the Atlanta Hawks.[31]Career statistics
NBA regular season
Aaron Holiday entered the NBA in 2018 and, through the early part of the 2025–26 season, has appeared in 455 regular-season games, averaging 6.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while playing 16.0 minutes per contest.[1] His career totals stand at 2,929 points, 901 assists, and 715 rebounds.[1] The table below details his regular-season performance by season, highlighting key metrics such as games played (GP), minutes per game (MPG), field goal percentage (FG%), three-point percentage (3P%), free throw percentage (FT%), rebounds per game (RPG), assists per game (APG), steals per game (SPG), blocks per game (BPG), turnovers per game (TPG), and points per game (PPG). Statistics for the 2025–26 season are current as of November 19, 2025.[1][8]| Season | Team(s) | GP | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | TPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–19 | IND | 50 | 12.9 | .401 | .339 | .820 | 1.3 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 5.9 |
| 2019–20 | IND | 66 | 24.5 | .414 | .394 | .851 | 2.4 | 3.4 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 1.3 | 9.5 |
| 2020–21 | IND | 66 | 17.8 | .390 | .368 | .819 | 1.3 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 1.0 | 7.2 |
| 2021–22 | WSH/PHX | 63 | 16.2 | .447 | .379 | .868 | 1.9 | 2.4 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 1.1 | 6.3 |
| 2022–23 | ATL | 63 | 13.4 | .418 | .409 | .844 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 3.9 |
| 2023–24 | HOU | 78 | 16.3 | .446 | .387 | .921 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0.7 | 6.6 |
| 2024–25 | HOU | 62 | 12.8 | .437 | .398 | .829 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 5.5 |
| 2025–26* | HOU | 7 | 8.3 | .556 | .455 | .889 | 0.6 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.7 | 4.7 |
| Career | 455 | 16.0 | .426 | .388 | .858 | 1.6 | 2.0 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 6.6 |
NBA playoffs
Aaron Holiday has appeared in the NBA playoffs five times across his career, playing a total of 17 games with career averages of 4.0 points, 0.6 assists, and 0.3 rebounds per game in 8.0 minutes of playing time.[1] His postseason contributions have primarily come off the bench, often in limited minutes during early rounds, reflecting his role as a reserve guard.[1] In his rookie season during the 2019 playoffs, Holiday appeared in three games for the Indiana Pacers in their first-round series against the Boston Celtics, averaging 1.7 points and 4.3 minutes per game while shooting 40.0% from the field. The Pacers were swept 4-0.[48] Holiday's most extensive early playoff experience came in the 2020 bubble with the Pacers, where he played all four games of their first-round loss to the Miami Heat (swept 4-0), starting two contests and averaging 7.8 points, 1.0 assist, and 0.3 rebounds in 18.0 minutes per game, including 57.1% field goal shooting and 44.4% from three-point range.[49] After being traded midseason in 2021–22, Holiday joined the Phoenix Suns for their deep playoff run, appearing in six games across the first two rounds but not suiting up for the Western Conference Finals or NBA Finals. In the first round against the New Orleans Pelicans (Suns won 4–2), he played two games for 4.0 points per game in 8.0 minutes. During the Western Conference Semifinals against the Dallas Mavericks (Suns won 4–3), he featured in four games, averaging 2.8 points on 40.0% field goal shooting and 60.0% from three in 2.8 minutes per game, with notable efficiency including three three-pointers made.[50][51] In 2023 with the Atlanta Hawks, Holiday saw minimal action in their first-round series against the Boston Celtics (lost 4–2), playing just one game for 1 assist in 4.0 minutes with no points scored.[52] As of November 2025, Holiday's most recent playoff appearance was in 2025 with the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference First Round against the Golden State Warriors (lost 3–4), where he played all three of his games off the bench, averaging 4.0 points, 1.0 assist, and 0.7 rebounds in 9.0 minutes per game while shooting 40.0% from the field and 40.0% from three-point range. The Rockets did not advance further, and no additional playoff games have occurred in the 2025–26 season to date.[53]| Year | Team | Series | GP | MPG | PPG | APG | RPG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | IND | vs. BOS (L 0–4) | 3 | 4.3 | 1.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | .400 | .500 |
| 2020 | IND | vs. MIA (L 0–4) | 4 | 18.0 | 7.8 | 1.0 | 0.3 | .571 | .444 |
| 2022 | PHX | vs. NOP (W 4–2) vs. DAL (W 4–3) | 6 | 4.5 | 3.2 | 0.5 | 0.5 | .500 | .600 |
| 2023 | ATL | vs. BOS (L 2–4) | 1 | 4.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | .000 | .000 |
| 2025 | HOU | vs. GSW (L 3–4) | 3 | 9.0 | 4.0 | 1.0 | 0.7 | .400 | .400 |
| Career | - | - | 17 | 8.0 | 4.0 | 0.6 | 0.3 | .500 | .500 |
College
Aaron Holiday played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins from 2015 to 2018, appearing in 101 games over three seasons.[4] As a freshman starter, he provided playmaking from the backcourt, and his role expanded significantly in later years, culminating in a junior season where he led the team in scoring and assists.[24] His development into a high-volume scorer and distributor was evident in improved efficiency and usage, contributing to UCLA's Pac-12 contention during his tenure.[5] The following table summarizes Holiday's per-season statistics at UCLA, including games played (GP), minutes per game (MPG), points per game (PPG), rebounds per game (RPG), assists per game (APG), field goal percentage (FG%), three-point percentage (3P%), and player efficiency rating (PER, where available from advanced metrics). PER values are approximate based on career compilation.| Season | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% | PER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | 32 | 31.7 | 10.3 | 3.0 | 4.0 | .394 | .419 | 14.5 |
| 2016–17 | 36 | 26.4 | 12.3 | 2.9 | 4.4 | .485 | .411 | 17.0 |
| 2017–18 | 33 | 37.7 | 20.3 | 3.7 | 5.8 | .461 | .429 | 22.0 |
| Career | 101 | 31.8 | 14.3 | 3.2 | 4.7 | .450 | .422 | 17.4 |