Detroit Pistons rookie Ron Holland has high aspirations for his rookie season.
“I want to win rookie of the year, but my work ethic “I’m going to produce like I’m trying to get it,” Holland told Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press (subscription required).
“I’m going to do it the best I can and whatever I need to work on, I’m just going to sit back, learn and listen to my vets…”
“Whatever coach (JB) Bickerstaff and all the other coaching staff ask me to do, I’m here to do it…” the 19-year-old continued. “…Defend, score, make people score, whatever it is, I’m ready and able to do it…”
Pistons’ Ron Holland reveals his aspirations for his rookie season
Even without factoring in his status as a top-five pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Holland is among the best players in his class.
At 2.03m and 90kg, the Texan is a versatile and dynamic attacker with an elite motor. These physical assets reinforce his impact in defense, where he instinctively changes the game. In the more glamorous areas, he has demonstrated his potential as a scorer and playmaker.
However, Holland’s most obvious weakness — a shaky outside shot — could compromise his offensive potential. That’s why “his main focus (this offseason) has been to do a lot of catch-and-shoot, a lot of shooting on the move …”
In the meantime, he’s also honing his strengths, “attacking off the dribble and moving without the ball, and a lot of defense.” Those are traits that have earned him comparisons to the Boston Celtics winger Jaylen Brown. Brown, who is coming off a career year, was named an All-Star, Eastern Conference Finals MVP and NBA Finals MVP during the 2023-24 season.
“I’m really focusing on defense because I know that’s one of the things that will keep me on the field this year.”
No one expects Holland to accomplish all of this next season or in a single season. Still, it’s great company for Holland to mention.
Who are the Pistons starters?
With two months to go until the start of the 2024-25 regular season, Detroit’s starting lineup is still unknownWith so many new and young players, this will likely be sorted out over the course of training camp and the preseason. However, it is safe to assume that Cade Cunningham —the face of the franchise—will be the starting point guard. Tobias Harris —who signed a two-year, $52 million contract with the Pistons this summer, he will likely start at one of the forward positions. From there, Bickerstaff and his coaching staff will have to find the best combination of talent, fit and experience.
Hypothetically speaking, let’s say Holland was inserted into the starting XI alongside Cunningham and Harris. Knowing that Cunningham needs a teammate at the back who can thrive off the ball, Malik Beasley could also start. Beasley isn’t exactly an elite 3-and-D player (his journeyman status attests to that), but he’s certainly solid.
Jalen Duren vs. Isaiah Stewart
This then leaves the question of whether Jalen Duren Or Isaiah Stewart He starts at center. Duren’s rebounding prowess is hard to ignore, especially on a team that could both miss and force a lot of missed shots. However, Stewart allows them to run a five-out offense and has played better defense than Duren.
All that being said, if Duren does come off the bench, it would be with the 2023 No. 5 pick. Ausar Thompson. Unless Thompson has made great strides as a jump shooter this offseason, this isn’t ideal. Last season, Thompson and Duren often found themselves occupying the dunking spot, stepping on each other’s toes. That makes it easier for Duren to start and Stewart to come off the bench.
Duren needs to improve his defensive awareness, especially off the ball. Plus, he’s too athletic not to be a better blocker. Still, the player’s development was probably one of the reasons that Bickerstaff was hired. Looking at the way Jarrett Allen While he thrived under his command with the Cavs, there’s reason to believe Duren’s best is yet to come.
