The 2024-25 Detroit Pistons were a tale of a young core coming of age. Recent lottery picks Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren and Asuar Thompson all enjoyed breakout seasons a year ago and their contributions helped the Pistons make the playoffs for the first time since the 2018-19 campaign and establish high expectations for the upcoming season.
To reach those expectations, the Pistons will need more players to break out. Detroit lost a pair of veterans when Tim Hardaway Jr. signed with the Denver Nuggets in free agency and Malik Beasley is unlikely to return as the NBA launched their own investigation into gambling accusations on Wednesday.
With two guys gone, someone will have to step up and it creates the perfect breakout scenario for second-year guard Ron Holland II.
Ron Holland II’s Summer League Breakout Could Boost Pistons Rotation
Holland was the fifth overall pick in the 2024 draft and was able to play his way into J.B. Bickerstaff’s rotation, averaging 15.6 minutes per game. But while he was able to get on the court, he was inconsistent when he stepped between the lines, averaging 6.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and one assist per game. Holland also forced the issue on occasion, averaging 2.7 turnovers per 100 possessions.
The biggest reason Holland didn’t take off may have been his shooting. While he posted a solid 47.4% shooting clip overall, he couldn’t find his shot from beyond the arc, shooting just 23.8% on 151 attempts.
With those in his mind, there was a lot for Holland to work on going into the summer. The biggest step took place at the Las Vegas Summer League where he averaged 21.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.0 steals per game. Even better? Holland started draining shots from downtown, shooting 46.7% on 3-pointers over five games.
The performance helped Holland earn NBA All-Summer League Second Team honors. But Coty M. Davis of The Detroit News also noted that he displayed “the same high energy and hustle” while displaying “a more mature version of himself,” which could help him going forward.
“I think Summer League was good for me,” Holland said. I was able to go out there with a free mind and showcase what I’ve been working on in the gym all summer. I am just a hooper. I went out there and played ‘Pistons Basketball.’ …My mindset was to go out there and dominate. Show what I am here for. Show that I can be one of those ones in the league.”
If Holland can show he’s ready, the Pistons’ rotation has the opportunity. Holland is a forward by trade but has the versatility to play shooting guard in a pinch. Jaden Ivey’s return from a broken left fibula will fill out the starting lineup but Holland can become a more effective bench player behind him and addition Caris LeVert if his newfound shot translates.