In Thursday’s preseason matchup against the Bucks, Ron Holland II got the start for the Pistons at power forward. With Tobias Harris sitting out the game, Holland took over at the four spot and looked comfortable on both sides of the ball. This could be a teaser for his eventual fit in team’s long-term plans.
Ron Holland: Power forward of the future?
Holland had a dynamic rookie year last season and showed strong promise as a slasher and downhill scorer. Offensively, he effectively played the part of a power forward given his proficiency attacking the rim and ineffectiveness shooting from outside. But defensively, he lacked the size and strength to guard opposing power forwards.
This season, Holland looks much improved in many areas. His offensive growth has been clear in his shooting leap, and he’s now an actual threat from deep. In this game, he confidently fired up three 3-pointers and nailed one of them off a pick-and-pop with Cade Cunningham. Holland’s addition of a more reliable 3-pointer makes him even more effective playing as a power forward.
There are other, more subtle areas of growth in Holland’s offense too. He had one play where he operated a pick-and-roll before kicking to a teammate in the corner for a three. This newfound ball handling and playmaking give Holland increased versatility and allows JB Bickerstaff to deploy him in different roles.
But arguably Holland’s biggest area of growth is his defensive strength. Matching up against a veteran post scorer in Bobby Portis, Holland held his own banging down low. Portis had difficulty getting to his signature face up jumper or post hook when guarded by Holland.
Holland even held up better than fellow sophomore Bobi Klintman, who is bigger in both height and weight than Holland. But Holland’s increased strength over the offseason, highlighted by an intentional bulk, and quickness give him up the upper hand on defense.
Holland is expected to frequently share the court with Ausar Thompson, which would make for a tantalizing defensive duo. Although the two would be exciting flying around the court and forcing turnovers, one of them may still need to guard big forwards in the post. For all of Ausar’s athleticism, he is listed at just 6-foot-6 – too small to guard the league’s most bruising power forwards. That’s where Holland’s added bulk becomes so important.
If Holland is actually able to guard power forwards consistently, it would be huge news for the Pistons depth chart. One of the shallowest positions on the team is power forward, where only starter Tobias Harris has played meaningful NBA minutes. But Holland’s emergence as a backup in that role can give Harris more opportunities for breathers and set up the Pistons starting lineup of the future.