Fast-Rising Sophomore Ron Holland II Looks Like a Key Piece for Pistons

Despite being selected 5th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, forward Ron Holland II only averaged around 15 minutes a game during his rookie season. If his fine play from Summer League continues, however, the 20-year-old will be a much bigger contributor to the team this year. \

It is tough to crack a rotation as a rookie, and Holland II played the entire season as a 19-year-old. The Pistons were also much better than expected, making the playoffs and giving the New York Knicks all they could handle in the first round. 

Holland II was considered an elite five-star prospect out of his school, but he skipped college to play a year for the G-League Ignite. He was then selected by the Pistons in the high lottery. 

He was a rotation player in his first year of his career, scoring 6.4 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. Holland struggled with his outside shot, only shooting 23% from the three-point line. He was better inside the arc, shooting 47% from the field. 

Holland looked like a far improved player in Summer League games. He averaged 21 points and 6 rebounds on 52.8% shooting. He was also very active on the defensive end, averaging four steals per game. 

The best signs for the Pistons may have been the way that Holland shot the ball in Summer League, as he made three-pointers at a 46.7% clip. If Holland can continue to play this way once the season starts, he is going to have a miuch bigger role than he did last year.