On Monday, the Chicago Bulls hosted several players for workouts ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft, per The Athletic’s Darnell Mayberry. Chief among this group was G League Ignite forward Ron Holland.
Sources: The Chicago Bulls, owners of the 11th pick, held a pre-draft workout today featuring Ron Holland, Terrence Shannon Jr., Ryan Dunn, Kyle Filipowski, Adem Bona and Justin Moore.
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) June 17, 2024
If the Bulls were able to draft Holland with the 11th overall pick, it would be a stroke of luck. The Texas native may no longer be the consensus No. 1 prospect, but he’s as talented as any player in this draft. What’s more, he displays a skillset that’s reminiscent of many of the best players to wear a Bulls jersey.
Bulls Work Out Former No. 1 Prospect Ron Holland
Holland’s an exceptional athlete with a nonstop motor, like Michael Jordan. He’s a defensive game-changer, capable of guarding at least four positions, like Scottie Pippen. All the focus on what Holland isn’t —a reliable 3-point threat —does a disservice to the rest of his game. The ball-handling, slashing, cuts, and finishing are all the hallmarks of a future All-Star, particularly a wing. As he’s likely to play small forward at 6-foot-8 and 197 pounds, that bodes well for his future.
The numbers for Holland are there as well.
In 2023-24, he averaged 19.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.3 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.0 percent from the field. His athleticism is in the upper stratosphere, with a 38.0-inch vertical, 2.91-second shuttle run, and 3.1-second 3/4 court sprint. As he sharpens up his playmaking, decision-making, and 3-point stroke, it’s also important to remember that he’s only 18 years old. He has another 10 years of development before he’s in his prime.
Moving Parts
As there will be plenty of moving parts this offseason, it’s difficult to project the Bulls’ starting lineup next season.
To that point, part of the reason Chicago should draft Holland is because his role will largely be unaffected by a splash move. Offensively, he may receive more opportunities if a star departs. Nonetheless, as an explosive, high-energy wing, he’ll make his presence felt regardless. Defensively, he’ll be tasked with guarding the most talented perimeter player that he can. In either scenario, he takes pressure off their veterans.
The Ron Holland Effect?
Lonzo Ball’s been teasing his return after recovering from a complex knee injury. Still, he’ll likely need time to get back in game shape. If he looks anything like his old self when he does, the Bulls have their starting point guard. However, until then, the spot will continue to be manned by Coby White. Indeed, the only player whose starting spot may be secure is White. Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic are on the trade block. DeMar DeRozan is preparing for free agency, though he’s largely expected to re-sign with the Bulls.
If Holland starts alongside White, the Bulls may still choose to trade LaVine. Though they lose a star-level scorer, they’ll more than likely improve the perimeter defense. However, they may find it simpler to let DeRozan walk away in free agency, clearing the way for them to be $12.8 million under the cap.
Should the Bulls think about the bigger picture, they’ll find that they put themselves in position to sign an All-Star-caliber player in 2025. That summer, restricted free agents such as Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobley may be attainable. Unrestricted free agents like Jamal Murray and Rudy Gobert will be available as well.
