The Detroit Pistons’ small forward position perfectly captures the organization’s current dilemma. On one side, the group is loaded with young talent and untapped potential. On the other side, each player has enough questions surrounding their game to make their long-term future in Detroit far from certain.
That same balancing act applies to the Pistons as a whole. Detroit’s young core has helped transform the franchise into one of the Eastern Conference’s rising contenders, but success often accelerates timelines. The front office must now decide whether to remain patient and continue developing its talent or capitalize on its momentum with a win-now move.
With expectations higher than they’ve been in years, how did the Pistons’ small forward rotation perform this season? And if one of these players becomes the key piece in a major trade, should Detroit be willing to make that move? Let’s dive in.
Grading Every Pistons Small Forward From the 2025-26 Season
Ausar Thompson: Pistons Small Forward Anchors Defense
In his third season, Ausar Thompson showed why he is a cornerstone piece for the Pistons’ future. He led the NBA in steals at 2.0 per game, finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting, and earned a spot on the NBA All-Defensive First Team.
While Thompson’s defense was elite, his offensive limitations remained a concern. He shot just 25% from 3-point range and 57.1% from the free-throw line, allowing defenses to sag off him and occasionally making life more difficult for Detroit’s half-court offense.
The playoffs further highlighted both sides of Thompson’s game. He cemented himself as one of the league’s premier defenders, averaging 2.0 steals and 1.8 blocks across 14 postseason games. However, his marks of 14% shooting from three and 51.6% from the free-throw line made it easier for opponents to ignore him offensively.
The defensive impact is undeniable, but until his offensive game becomes more reliable, Thompson’s ceiling will remain tied to his development on that end of the floor.
Grade: B+
Ron Holland
“Hustle Man” Ron Holland gave the Pistons a relentless spark off the bench and formed a dynamic small forward rotation alongside Thompson. His energy and defensive intensity immediately stood out, as he averaged 1.2 steals over 78 games and consistently made hustle plays that changed possessions.
Offensively, Holland showed a greater willingness than Thompson to take open shots and attack when opportunities arose. However, the results were inconsistent, as he shot 43.2% from the field and 25.3% from three. While the confidence was encouraging, improving his efficiency will be the next step in his development.
Holland’s defensive impact and nonstop motor made him a valuable contributor throughout the season, but continued growth on the offensive end will determine how high his ceiling ultimately reaches.
Grade: B
Bobi Klintman
After being selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, Bobi Klintman was unable to carve out a consistent role with the Pistons. He appeared in just 12 games before being waived to create a roster spot for Tolu Smith’s standard contract.
With such a limited sample size, there simply wasn’t enough opportunity to properly evaluate Klintman’s impact or long-term fit in Detroit.
Grade: INC
The Last Word
The Detroit Pistons’ small forward rotation perfectly reflected the organization’s current position. Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland proved they can be impactful contributors on one of the league’s best defensive teams, bringing elite athleticism, relentless effort, and game-changing playmaking on that end of the floor. While Bobi Klintman’s time in Detroit was short-lived, the group as a whole showcased the youth and potential that have fueled the Pistons’ rise.
The question now is whether potential alone is enough. Thompson and Holland still have plenty of room to grow offensively, but Detroit’s timeline has changed after exceeding expectations. If the front office believes a win-now move can push the Pistons closer to championship contention, the small forward position could become a key area of discussion. Whether the organization chooses patience or aggression, the future of this group will have a major impact on Detroit’s next steps.
Overall Grade: B
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