Ron Holland’s Growth Signals an Exciting New Role

In a recent preseason game against the Bucks, Ron Holland II was given the opportunity to start as the power forward for the Detroit Pistons. With Tobias Harris resting, Holland stepped up and showcased his skills effectively on both offense and defense. This performance raises the prospect of his key role in the team’s future plans.

Ron Holland’s Promising Growth

Last season, Ron Holland demonstrated remarkable potential as a slasher and a downhill scorer during his rookie year. Although he played commendably at power forward, his outside shooting needed improvement. This season, however, Holland has clearly made strides in various aspects of his game.

Enhanced Offense and Shooting Ability

• Holland has significantly improved his shooting, becoming a credible threat from beyond the arc.
• In the game against the Bucks, he attempted three 3-pointers, successfully making one through a pick-and-pop with Cade Cunningham.
• His versatile skill set now includes improved ball-handling and playmaking, seen when he created a scoring opportunity for a teammate in the corner.

Defensive Development

Holland’s defensive capabilities have also evolved. He faced veteran post scorer Bobby Portis and managed to hold his ground effectively. Despite Portis’s attempts at face-up jumpers and post hooks, Holland’s enhanced strength and quickness made a noticeable difference.

• Holland’s offseason training has resulted in increased strength, enabling him to guard more formidable opponents on the block.
• Compared to fellow sophomore Bobi Klintman, who is larger, Holland showed equal, if not superior, defensive prowess against Portis.

Potential Defensive Duo

Looking ahead, Holland is likely to frequently partner with Ausar Thompson on the court. This duo could create a challenging defensive front, although some adjustments may be necessary due to their size differences.

• Thompson, at 6-foot-6, may struggle against bigger forwards in the league.
• Holland’s ability to guard these power forwards consistently would enhance the Pistons’ depth at this position.

Currently, the Pistons’ power forward position is reliant primarily on starter Tobias Harris. Holland’s emergence as a reliable backup could provide Harris crucial rest periods while also establishing the framework for the team’s future lineup.