Detroit’s Bold Move to Choose NBA G League Ignite Star Ron Holland
It turned out quite unexpected when the Detroit Pistons drafted Ron Holland of the NBA G League Ignite as an overall fifth pick in the simulation for the 2024 NBA Draft. The Pistons had the sixth chance in the general lottery and had the same odds as the Wizards but successfully moved up to the fifth pick; this led to an exactly calculated and quite unpredictable pick.
Impressive NBA G League Ignite Stats
Pistons president of basketball operations, Trajan Langdon said that Holland was the best choice due to his competiveness and high character. “He is a high effort guy,” Said Langdon in an NBA Summer League interview “He competes, he is of high character, hard worker and a team guy, organization guy.”
During his short time in the G League Ignite this season, Holland scored 19 points and pulled down seven rebounds and three assists per game in just 15 games. He had reasonable ball interceptions with 2 steals per game and reasonable rejection with 1 block also.
Is Ron Holland An Acceptable Risk?
It was quite unusual for Holland to decide that the team should not join the NCAA as they opted for the G League. It became tragic when he sustained an injury that limited him to playing for the rest of the season but his play demonstrated raw talent. The Pistons, who are not new to drafting players from developmental leagues like Thompson—came into the draft year expecting to select Ausar Thompson from Overtime Elite—are banking on Holland.
It was widely reported that the Pistons’ management was split on hiring Holland because he had very little prior game experience. However, appeals to reason were not the only determinant factor in changing their minds as Langdon was confident about Holland’s good work ethic and character.
More on that for the Pistons going forward, Holland is expected to be another infusion of energy and competitiveness in the rotations. His future NBA rookie season will also hold lauds and prospects for Detroit fans.
