Throughout Aaron Holiday’s NBA career, he was known as a reliable guard, a great locker-room presence, and, of course, one of the three Holiday brothers in the NBA.
Even though Holiday never reached the heights of his older brother Jrue, he was always a sought-after player throughout his eight-year career because of his ability to be not only a reliable ball handler but also an above-average 3-point shooter and, as mentioned before, a great teammate. Even though he never averaged double digits in a season, he was the type of player any contender would love to have on their bench.
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That’s exactly what Holiday provided for the Rockets in his three seasons with the team. Holiday only started five games during that time, but Ime Udoka knew Holiday would come in and provide steady play even if he hadn’t played meaningful minutes in weeks.
It isn’t easy finding players like that in today’s NBA, and that is why Udoka trusted him in some late-game situations. Holiday’s best season with the Rockets was the first season in 2023 when he averaged 16.3 minutes, 6.6 points, and 1.8 assists per game.
The Rockets called on Holiday when they wanted a veteran presence on the court or were dealing with injuries, especially in his first season with the team. That is why the Rockets brought him back year after year. However, with Fred VanVleet returning this season, the addition of Marcus Smart, and the emergence of Reed Sheppard, there wasn’t much room left in the backcourt.
Aaron Holiday to play overseas this upcoming season
Holiday entered the 2026 offseason as a free agent, and after weighing his options, the veteran decided to take his talent to Europe, signing with Maxima Roma in Italy’s top league. Even though it hasn’t been reported why Holiday decided to forgo the NBA for the time being, the opportunity to play more minutes more than likely factored into his decision.
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Holiday will join other former NBA player Xavier Moon, who played a few seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers but mostly with their G League team before eventually making his way to Maxima Roma, signing earlier this month.
Holiday, however, has not closed the door on an NBA return, as several NBA teams reportedly showed interest in the guard this offseason. Holiday has an out clause in his current contract that lets him return to the NBA if all requirements are met, so there is a chance we see Aaron Holiday back in the NBA at some point in the 2026-27 season. Holiday is still only 29, and with his willingness to play any role a team needs and his reliability when called upon, dont be surprised if Holiday isn’t back contributing in the NBA next season.
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