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Aaron Holiday 'Huge' for Rockets, Says Ime Udoka

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Rockets
By Jeremy Brener | Last updated 12/10/23

The Houston Rockets are due for a potential lineup change with Amen Thompson returning to the team this week after being away for a month with an ankle injury. Aaron Holiday has been the main contributor in Thompson's absence, and he's made a massive difference for the Rockets this season.

“He’s been huge,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said via Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. “When we talked to him in free agency, what we loved about him was he’s always prepared, very professional, another guy that complements the group well, on or off the ball. The shooting ability, obviously, but the defensive tenacity, too. Just a guy that’s been through every situation, start if you need him to, or obviously be a great backup as he is now."

Holiday, 27, is averaging 7.4 points per game in his first season with the Rockets. He's been a strong scorer in the past eight games, scoring at least seven points in every contest, including a season-high 22 in last Wednesday's win against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

With Thompson set to return soon from his injury, it's likely that Holiday's role will see a reduction. However, he's played well enough in his absence to prove that he needs to be in Udoka's rotation moving forward.

How will that look? That's for Udoka to answer in the coming days and weeks.

Holiday and the Rockets are back in action tonight when the San Antonio Spurs come to town. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT from Toyota Center.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Rockets and was syndicated with permission.

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