Detroit Pistons' Rising Star Ron Holland Faces Playoff Challenge

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By JH Kubicek | Last updated Mar 18, 2025 1:45 PM ET

The Detroit Pistons, who currently hold the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference with a chance to move up, have been one of the most pleasant and surprising stories this season. After finishing at or near the bottom of the standings in each of the last five seasons, the Pistons have begun to turn things around and are expected to be a postseason fixture for the next several years.

Of course, most of the credit can be given to JB Bickerstaff and Cade Cunningham, who have finally emerged as a healthy franchise player, although rookie Ron Holland, despite his lackluster scoring numbers, has done his fair share of the heavy lifting.

Picked fifth overall in a lackluster 2024 draft class, the G League Ignite product is averaging 6.2 points and 2.9 rebounds off the bench. He has always been available and is a go-to guy in the second unit, although his outside shooting (21.8 percent) needs a boost if he is ever going to be a star player.

However, his defense is fantastic and versatile, and once he kicks into gear, he and Ausar Thompson are among the best in the league at getting out in the open floor and turning defense into offense, and points.

His upside is very clearly there, although his lack of offensive production might hinder his role in the postseason.

"Holland gets credit for playing in every game for the Pistons as an athletic wing defender who averages more than 15 minutes," wrote The Athletic's Law Murray. "It will be tough to play Holland in the playoffs because of his 22 percent 3-point mark, but at the very least, he provides insurance for Ausar Thompson."

In the first round, the Pistons will play likely the New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, or Indiana Pacers, depending on seeding. Expect Holland's number to be called to slow down Mikal Bridges, Kyle Kuzma, or Pascal Siakam.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: