Detroit Pistons rookie Ron Holland has major aspirations for his rookie season.
“I want to win Rookie of the Year, but my work ethic is going to produce like I’m trying to get it,” Holland tells the Detroit Free Press’s Omari Sankofa II (subscription required).
“I’m going to do it to the best of my ability and whatever I need to work on, just sit back and learn and listen to my vets…”
“Whatever coach (J.B.) Bickerstaff and everybody else on the coaching staff needs me to do, I’m there to do it…,” the 19-year-old continues. “…Defend, make shots, get people shots, whatever it is I’m willing and able to do it…”
Pistons’ Ron Holland Reveals Aspirations For Rookie Season
Even without taking into account his status as a top-five pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Holland is among the best players in his class.
At 6-foot-8 and 200-plus pounds, the Texan is a springy combo forward with an elite motor. Those physical tools enhance his impact on the defensive end, where he’s an instinctive game-changer. At the more glamorous end, he’s demonstrated scoring and playmaking upside.
However, Holland’s most obvious weakness —a wonky outside jumper —could undermine his offensive potential. That’s why his “main (offseason) focus has been a lot of catch and shoot, a lot of movement shots…”
In the meantime, he’s also honing his strengths, “attacking off the dribble and moving without the ball, and a lot on defense.” These are traits that have led his being compared to Boston Celtics wing Jaylen Brown. Brown, fresh of a career year, was named an All-Star, the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, and the NBA Finals MVP in the 2023-24 season.
“I’m really keying in on defense because I know that’s one thing that will keep me on the floor this year.”
Nobody is projecting Holland to accomplish all of that next season or in one season. Nonetheless, it’s great company for Holland to mentioned in.
Who Are The Pistons Starters?
Two months ahead of the 2024-25 regular season opener, Detroit’s starting lineup is still unknown. With so many new and young players, this will likely be sorted out in training camp and the preseason. However, it’s 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 offseason —will likely start at one of the forward spots. From there, Bickerstaff and his coaching staff will have to find the best combination of talent, fit, and experience.
Hypothetically speaking, say that Holland was inserted into the starting lineup alongside Cunningham and Harris. Knowing that Cunningham needs a backcourt mate who can thrive off-ball, Malik Beasley could start as well. Beasley isn’t quite elite as a 3-and-D role player (his journeyman status attests to that), but he’s certainly solid.
Jalen Duren vs. Isaiah Stewart
That then leaves the question of whether Jalen Duren or Isaiah Stewart 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 of that being said, if Duren comes off the bench, it would be with 2023 No. 5 pick Ausar Thompson. Unless Thompson has taken major strides as a jump shooter this offseason, this isn’t ideal. Last season, Thompson and Duren found themselves frequently occupying the dunker’s spot, stepping on each other’s toes. That makes it more feasible for Duren to start and Stewart to come off the bench.
Duren needs to improve his defensive awareness, primarily off-ball. Furthermore, he’s too athletic to not be a better shot-blocker. Nonetheless, player development was presumably one of the reasons that Bickerstaff was hired. Looking at the way Jarrett Allen thrived under him with the Cavs, there’s reason to believe that the best of Duren has yet to come.
