While there have been some notable moves that stood out during this year’s draft, there are certain picks that left NBA executives scratching their heads. Chief among those was the Detroit Pistons’ decision to select Ron Holland II in a move that got an unflattering vote from these execs.
During the 2024 NBA Summer League, Holland has emerged as a standout player, impressing with his contributions on both ends of the court. Selected as the fifth overall pick, Holland showcased his versatility and impact during the series of games in Las Vegas. Leading the team in scoring with an average of 17.3 points per game, he also demonstrated prowess in rebounding and defensive play, highlighting his well-rounded skills.
Despite initial challenges with efficiency in shooting, Holland’s performance improved notably throughout the league matches. His ability to create opportunities in transition, coupled with his defensive intensity and court vision, set him apart as a promising prospect for the Pistons. The 19-year-old’s athleticism and defensive acumen were particularly commendable, showcasing his potential to excel in the NBA.
Alongside Holland, Bobi Klintman, the 37th overall pick, also made a significant impact with his consistent performance, demonstrating strong skill sets in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. Additionally, Daniss Jenkins, a two-way guard, displayed his shotmaking abilities and defensive prowess, further solidifying the Pistons’ roster depth.
As the Summer League unfolded, Holland’s emergence as a key player for the Pistons underscored the team’s optimism for a promising season ahead, with fans eagerly anticipating his continued development and contributions on the court.
Detroit Pistons’ Ron Holland II Voted By NBA Execs As The Draft’s Biggest Reach
While his performance in Las Vegas conveyed a positive outlook on the rookie, NBA executives paint one that’s in stark contrast. In an article by Jeremy Woo and Jonathan Givony for ESPN, these execs voted Holland as the biggest reach of the draft for a good reason.
The Pistons made the first surprise selection of the draft with Holland at No. 5, a pick that raised some eyebrows around the league because of his questionable roster fit as a below-average shooter on a team that sorely needed perimeter shooting. Detroit’s selection, the first under new general manager Trajan Langdon, was a swing on talent above all, which led rival execs to wonder if larger-scale changes to the Pistons’ young roster are coming.
“I feel bad for Cade Cunningham,” one voter explained. “They’ve been rebuilding for years even though they never planned on it, and this pick signals they might need to blow up the roster and start over again. I just don’t see how [Holland] plays with Ausar Thompson, Jaden Ivey , and all their other young guys. That situation is a mess. Even when Holland was scoring in Vegas, it was so ugly to watch.”
Holland’s Summer League performance may be a lot different once the new NBA season starts. For one, he was the focal point on offense in Las Vegas but his fit in the team may throw them in disarray down the line. As a result, the Pistons may end up wasting another year of Cunningham with the team.
It remains to be seen whether these executives will be justified or not in thinking Holland was a reach. In any case, no one will be expecting a lot from Detroit once the NBA returns later this year if they don’t make a big splash in the first few weeks.
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