The NBA Draft is often described as a game of projection, a complex blend of scouting, analytics, and gut feeling. Every pick holds the potential to shape the future of a franchise, and sometimes the difference between one player and another can alter a team’s trajectory for years to come. The Indiana Pacers’ decision in the 2018 NBA Draft to select Aaron Holiday with the 23rd overall pick instead of Jalen Brunson, despite having hosted Brunson for a workout, is one of those intriguing “what if” moments that fans and analysts still talk about today.
The 2018 Draft Context: Pacers’ Needs and Priorities
Heading into the 2018 draft, the Pacers were looking to bolster their backcourt depth. They already had veterans like Victor Oladipo and Darren Collison, but the team wanted a young, versatile guard who could contribute immediately and develop into a reliable piece alongside their core.
Aaron Holiday, the younger brother of NBA players Jrue and Justin Holiday, had just completed a strong college career at UCLA. Known for his scoring ability, solid defense, and basketball IQ, Holiday was seen as a promising guard with potential to fill a backup or rotational role for the Pacers.
On the other hand, Jalen Brunson, a standout at Villanova, was praised for his leadership, basketball instincts, and winning pedigree. Brunson led Villanova to two NCAA championships and earned numerous accolades for his ability to run an offense and make smart decisions. His skill set suggested a steady, high-IQ floor general who could control the tempo and create opportunities.
The Workout: Why Did the Pacers Bring Brunson In?
NBA teams often invite multiple prospects for workouts before the draft to get a closer look beyond highlight reels and stats. The Pacers hosted Brunson for such a workout, indicating serious interest. These sessions allow teams to evaluate a player’s skills, personality, and how they might fit within the team’s culture and system.
Brunson’s reputation as a cerebral player with excellent leadership qualities likely caught the Pacers’ attention. His ability to manage the game and facilitate offense would have complemented the Pacers’ style, which emphasized efficient scoring and strong defense.
Despite this, the Pacers ultimately opted for Holiday, perhaps drawn by his scoring upside or because of positional fit considerations.
Comparing Aaron Holiday and Jalen Brunson: Career Trajectories So Far
Since entering the league, Aaron Holiday has shown flashes of promise but has largely been a role player, moving between teams and fighting for consistent minutes. While he has had moments where his scoring and playmaking have shined, he hasn’t yet established himself as a star or key piece on a playoff team.
Jalen Brunson, meanwhile, has exceeded many expectations. After being drafted by the Dallas Mavericks later in the 2018 draft (with the 33rd pick), Brunson steadily improved, becoming a vital contributor and fan favorite. His ability to run the offense efficiently, score when needed, and defend competently earned him increased playing time.
In 2022, Brunson’s stock skyrocketed when he signed with the New York Knicks, where he quickly became a leader and one of the best guards in the league. His playoff performances have earned praise for clutch shooting and calm decision-making under pressure. Brunson’s rise has been impressive, proving his ability to carry a team’s offense and deliver in crucial moments.
What Could Have Been for the Pacers?
Looking back, it’s natural to wonder how the Pacers’ backcourt and overall team dynamics might have shifted had they selected Brunson instead of Holiday. Brunson’s leadership and offensive efficiency might have provided Indiana with a more consistent, reliable floor general to complement Oladipo and later players like Malcolm Brogdon and Caris LeVert.
His skill set fits well with the Pacers’ preference for smart, defense-oriented basketball with an emphasis on teamwork. Brunson’s ability to manage pace, make plays for teammates, and score efficiently could have elevated the Pacers’ offensive flow and helped stabilize their backcourt depth.
Moreover, Brunson’s steady development and clutch performances could have made him a cornerstone for the franchise’s rebuild phase after Oladipo’s injury issues. The Pacers have often struggled with finding a reliable guard to anchor their second unit, and Brunson might have filled that role better than Holiday has.
Why Draft Decisions Are Never Easy
It’s important to remember that draft decisions are complex and influenced by many factors — from fit with team philosophy and roster composition to medical evaluations and projected upside. At the time of the draft, the Pacers’ staff likely made a decision based on their best available information and vision for the future.
Aaron Holiday was highly regarded, and his family pedigree suggested strong work ethic and professionalism. The team might have seen him as a better fit for their immediate needs or believed he had a higher ceiling.
In contrast, Jalen Brunson’s eventual rise was gradual, and his game has always been more about basketball IQ and steady improvement than flashiness or raw athleticism — qualities that sometimes get overlooked in early scouting reports.
The Broader Lesson: Embracing the “What Ifs”
The Pacers’ 2018 pick decision highlights the fascinating “what if” moments that make the NBA Draft so captivating. For every superstar picked late, there are countless talented players whose careers unfold in unexpected ways.
This story also underscores the importance of player development and opportunity. Brunson’s path shows how a player can maximize their skills and fit within a system to flourish, even if they aren’t a lottery pick. Conversely, Holiday’s journey reminds us how difficult it is to translate college success into consistent NBA impact.
Looking Ahead: How the Pacers Can Still Benefit
Though the 2018 draft decision is behind them, the Pacers continue to build and develop young talent. Whether through future drafts, trades, or player development, they aim to assemble a roster capable of competing at the highest level.
Their experience with Holiday and Brunson might influence how they approach evaluating guards moving forward, balancing potential with fit, leadership, and intangibles.=
Conclusion: A Fascinating “What Could’ve Been”
In the grand narrative of the NBA, draft decisions like the Pacers’ choice between Aaron Holiday and Jalen Brunson become captivating points of reflection. While Holiday has had a respectable career, Brunson’s emergence as a highly effective and respected guard invites endless speculation about how things might have unfolded differently in Indiana.
Such moments remind fans and analysts alike of the unpredictability of the draft and the thin line between a good pick and a great one. Ultimately, the story is not just about what was missed, but about how players and teams evolve — turning potential into performance, sometimes in surprising ways.
For Pacers fans, the question lingers: what could have been if they’d pulled the trigger on Jalen Brunson at 23? It’s one of those enduring basketball mysteries, a “what if” that will keep conversations alive for years to come.
