Justin Holiday, the newest Hawks player, spoke to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Friday, a day after the guard/forward signed a two-year as an unrestricted free agent. Here are excerpts:
Q. What was the free-agent process like for you?
A. To tell you the truth, it wasn't any different of a situation than I've been in before. It was about me being patient. I was confident that I would be somewhere. The Warriors were still an option. It was about me being patient and seeing what was out there, what teams were willing to give me an opportunity. As stressful and nerve-wracking as it can be, it was about me being patient. I was confident somebody was going to give me an opportunity. It was about finding the right opportunity and the right fit. Atlanta was it so I went with it.
Q. What exactly made Atlanta the right place, the right fit?
A. They have a great coach – the coach of the year. I like the system. It's similar to what we played in Golden State. I think I can fit in well. Also, how the team played and the team itself. They have a lot of good guys there, when they are on the court and also off the court. That combination of team basketball being played and also how they get along off the court was something I want to be a part of.
Q. Did the Hawks tell you what your role will be?
A. That will be determined come (training) camp. You have to see how everything fits. It will be about coming in and taking care of business and once we start playing it will be figured out. We'll see what happens after camp.
Q. What do you know about the Hawks?
A. We got to see them twice last season. They use multiple guys, even guys off the bench. Everybody is important to the success of the team. They make that very clear. That is one thing that really excites me about coming to this team because everybody is going to have a chance to contribute.
Q. Coach (Mike) Budenholzer loves athletic wing players. Do you see yourself in that role?
A. Of course. I'm athletic and I can actually shoot the ball very well too. It's one of my strengths. Shooting and playing defense. Also, playing team basketball, being team-minded. I think I fit in perfectly with that high-energy, move around fast, play hard and give it everything I have.
Q. What was your experience like being a team that won a championship?
A. It was a dream come true. I think it was good for me to experience something like that. Even not playing, being able to see and feel the work with those guys, to see where I fit in with that also. It helped my grow as a player and it helped me grow mentally. It helped me grow as a person, dealing with different situations all year and prevailing. Also, getting a ring is something every player in this league is trying to get. I've experience it. I know how to get there. I know what it takes and bring it to my new team.
Q. Do you have any outside interests? How do you spend time away from the court?
A. I guess you can say I'm a very boring person. Usually what I do with my free time is I'm in the gym. I like to go to the movies a lot. Me and my wife go to the movies. I like a lot of outdoor activities, which I don't get to do during the year. I like to hike. Usually, I'm just hanging out with my family.
Q. What do you think of the Hawks new uniforms?
A. I haven't really seen them. I've heard people talk about them but I haven't seen them. I'm excited to see what they look like.
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