Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets have had several players step up to the plate so far this season.

The Rockets currently sit at 15-12 going into Christmas thanks to a full team effort, but two players who don't always receive the praise they deserve are Aaron Holiday and Jeff Green.

However, Rafael Stone, the man responsible for signing them in free agency this offseason, continues to sing their praises.

"Both of those guys are guys that we’ve liked for a long time," Stone said via Kelly Iko of The Athletic. "We were lucky that they were free agents at a time when we could play in free agency. And so yeah, they’ve done well and I’m happy for that. Jeff’s a super veteran player, but Aaron’s been around for a while, too. So they both have come in and done exactly what we thought they would do. And we thought that with our current mix, they fit well. And it’s been nice that through a quarter season that’s been the way it’s played out."

Green and Holiday are veteran leaders in a bench unit that ranks 25th in scoring, but has been crucial on the defensive end. While the numbers don't pop off the page, their veteran presence helps the Rockets get organized in the second unit to commit fewer turnovers. The Rockets commit the fifth-fewest turnovers in the NBA, with just 13.1. Only the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers commit fewer turnovers than that of the Rockets.

Green, Holiday and the Rockets are back in action on Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT inside Toyota Center.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Lakers reportedly interested in adding three-time All-Star via trade
Luka Doncic fed off negative reactions in Game 5 win over Thunder
Celtics finally put away undermanned Cavaliers, advance to conference finals
Avalanche force Game 6 with big third period vs. Stars
MLB announces punishment for Astros' Ronel Blanco over foreign substance
Vikings HC shares big Justin Jefferson contract update
Rafael Nadal switches gears, gives major update on French Open status
DeMar DeRozan confirms desire to return to Bulls
Mavericks defense rises to occasion in Game 5 win vs. Thunder
Steelers to make history in final two months of 2024 season
Packers will play on Thanksgiving with a rare twist in 2024
Steelers veteran reportedly plans to sit out OTAs
Padres pitcher has honest reaction to team getting booed off the field
Athletics place lefty on 15-day IL, transfer infielder to 60-day
Atlanta to be first race of NASCAR's In-Season Tournament
West Point alum made history in his MLB debut with Reds
Heat legend cautions Lakers against hiring JJ Redick
Welcome to the WNBA: Caitlin Clark sets infamous record in debut
Jalen Brunson leads Knicks to blowout win in Game 5 vs. Pacers
Nikola Jokic torches DPOY to lead Nuggets past Wolves in Game 5

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.