Pistons forward Ron Holland , the No. 5 overall pick of June’s draft, has high expectations for himself as he prepares for his rookie season, he told Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press (subscription required).
“I want to win Rookie of the Year, but my work ethic is going to produce like I’m trying to get it,” Holland said. “Whatever coach (J.B.) Bickerstaff and everybody else on the coaching staff needs me to do, I’m there to do it whether it’s defend, make shots, get people shots, whatever it is I’m willing and able to do it and I feel like I’m going to be available to do it. I’m going to do it to the best of my ability and whatever I need to work on, just sit back and learn and listen to my vets is what I’m really looking forward to doing.”
As for what he’s been focused on this summer, the 19-year-old said he’s working to improve his jump shot, with playing strong defense another area of emphasis.
“My main (offseason) focus has been a lot of catch and shoot, a lot of movement shots and really just attacking off the dribble and moving without the ball, and a lot on defense.” Holland said, per Sankofa. “I’m really keying in on defense because I know that’s one thing that will keep me on the floor this year.”
Here are a few more notes from the Eastern Conference:
- A source told Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com that the Cavaliers were scouting Bruno Caboclo while the veteran forward was competing in the Olympics with Team Brazil (YouTube link via The Wine and Gold Talk podcast). Fedor was careful to couch that reporting by stating that no deal was imminent and that he was just illustrating a point about Cleveland’s front office regularly keeping tabs on international players (hat tip to HoopsHype ). Caboclo, a 28-year-old former first-round pick, spent last season with Partizan in Serbia and has said he plans to return to the EuroLeague club next season.
- Head coach Brian Keefe recently discussed the general development plan for the Wizards‘ trio of first-round picks, writes Chase Hughes of Monumental Sports Network . Washington selected Alex Sarr (No. 2) and acquired the rights to Carlton Carrington (No. 14) and Kyshawn George (No. 24). “Establishing habits, No. 1,” Keefe told Monumental Sports Network. “I said the same last year with Bilal (Coulibaly) , you teach them the professional habits and how to work in this league. It’s the only way you get better is to have consistent work habits and approach to everything you’re doing. That will be our No. 1 focus for those guys.”
- The Heat enter 2023/24 with no true point guard on the roster, which could be an issue during the season, Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel states in a mailbag column. As Winderman observes, Miami has several capable ball-handlers, but no true table-setter after trading Kyle Lowry and a 2027 first-round pick for Terry Rozier in January.