Knicks shooting guard Justin Holiday was in New Orleans this weekend for the wedding of his sister-in-law. Joining him as a wedding guest was his brother, Jrue Holiday of the Pelicans.
The Big Easy weekend — with both brothers out of the playoffs — was for drinking and dancing. Soon, they will talk about their NBA futures. It’s the first time Justin and Jrue have been free agents together.
Justin created a niche this season. The only Knick to play in all 82 games, the 27-year-old was an effective two-way bench player. Knicks president Phil Jackson would like to retain him if possible. It would be even better if he could bring in Jrue, too.
Justin said during the season the brothers, who played together as youngsters, have long wanted to play again on the same team, saying, “If we can play together, that would be a dream come true and we’d be successful doing it.’’ Of course, that also means the Pelicans could be in the mix for Justin.
“Now it’s time to talk, time to figure it out,’’ Justin Holiday told The Post. “We’ll take some time off. We’ll sit and talk eventually. I’m excited to see him. The family thing first and we’ll figure it out after.’’
If the Knicks renounce the rights to point guard Derrick Rose, they’d have $22 million of cap room and a desperate need for a point guard.
Justin Holiday was originally a throw-in in the Rose deal. Now, he may have carved out a longer future in New York than his star counterpart. He’s a good defender, 3-point shooter and was comfortable with the triangle.
Jackson claimed to identify “12 players’’ on the roster he feels are a triangle fit, but admitted re-signing them is the big issue.
“It’s the next thing to figure out,’’ Holiday said. “It’s going to be exciting — hopefully not too stressful. I’ve never been in this position before. Shoot, having multiple teams might wanting me is a first. I’ll consider all the options, hopefully take my time and make the right decision.’’
In 20 minutes per game, Holiday averaged 7.7 points, 35.3 percent from 3-point range and finished with a healthy “effective field-goal percentage” of 52.3.
For Holiday, who had bounced around to four teams previously, his 82 games played were his most important statistic.
“That’s sweet, that’s a big deal to me,’’ Holiday said. “I’ve been around, been cut, not played, been in a suit. Playing 82 games is a blessing to do that and stay healthy.’’
Several teams will be over the cap, so Holiday’s market could get competitive, with a salary as high as a large portion of the endlessly increasing $8 million mid-level exception. With careful bookkeeping, the Knicks can be competitive, re-signing him with an early-Bird exception and go over the salary cap.
Despite this season’s triangle backlash, Holiday said he’s comfortable playing for the Knicks.
“Of course,’’ Holiday said. “I hope I’m comfortable after playing 82 games.’’
The Holidays’ younger brother, UCLA guard Aaron Holiday, is considering entering the draft and is projected to be a second-round pick. Having the three brothers on the same club would be unprecedented.
The 18-year-old point guard Frank Ntilikina, who played in the French League for LNB Pro A and is a projected lottery pick, was videotaped working out in the Carmelo Anthony-owned gym in Manhattan. The Knicks scouted the 6-foot-5 prospect in France. Ntilikina should be around if the Knicks pick around sixth or seventh. Draft workouts can begin in late April.