In Thursday’s preseason game against the Bucks, Ron Holland II started for the Pistons at power forward. With Tobias Harris out of the game, Holland took over at fourth and looked comfortable on both sides of the ball. This could be a taste of whether he might fit into the team’s long-term plans.
Ron Holland: The power of the future?
Holland had a dynamic rookie year last season and showed great promise as a slasher and downhill scorer. Offensively, he effectively played the role of a power forward given his mastery of attacking the rim and his ineffectiveness on shots from the outside. But defensively, he lacked the size and strength to protect opposing attackers.
This season, the Netherlands looks much improved in many areas. His offensive growth has been evident in his jump shot, and he is now a real threat from deep. In this game, he confidently shot three 3-pointers and made one on a pick-and-pop with Cade Cunningham. Holland’s addition of a more reliable 3-pointer makes him even more effective as a power forward.
There are other, more subtle areas of growth in Holland’s offense as well. He had a play in which he ran a pick-and-roll before kicking a teammate in the corner for a three. This new ball handling and playmaking gives Holland increased versatility and allows JB Bickerstaff to deploy him in different roles.
But arguably Netherlands’ biggest area of growth is its defensive strength. Facing a veteran post scorer, Bobby Portis, Holland held his own. Portis struggled to access his face-up jumper or post hook when guarded by Holland.
Holland even held up better than fellow sophomore Bobi Klintman, who is larger in height and weight than Holland. But Holland’s increased strength over the offseason, highlighted by intentional volume, and quickness give him the upper hand on defense.
Holland should frequently share the court with Ausar Thompson, which would make for an enticing defensive duo. While both would be exciting to fly around the court and force turnovers, one of them may still need to guard big forwards in the post. For all of Ausar’s athleticism, he’s only 6-foot-6 — too small to guard the league’s deadliest power forwards. This is where the extra volume from Holland becomes so important.
If Holland is truly able to guard power forwards consistently, that would be huge news for the Pistons depth chart. One of the team’s shallowest positions is power forward, where only starter Tobias Harris has played significant NBA minutes. But Holland’s emergence as a backup in that role can give Harris more breathing room opportunities and build the Pistons’ starting lineup of the future.
