There has not been this much buzz around the Pistons since they were hanging up banners in the early 2000s. There were a handful of teams in there that were decent, but nothing for anybody to be excited about. Riding the momentum of last season’s playoff run, Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey are ready to get to work to form one of the most intriguing backcourts in the NBA. However, before we delve in-depth with those players, there is another duo that the Pistons will be counting on to help fill the voids on this year’s team: Ron Holland II and Ausar Thompson .
Pistons Counting On Young Duo Next Season
Summer League Production
At this point in the summer, we’ve seen a handful of Summer League games. There weren’t a ton of surprises, but the Pistons did have one of them. There was a lot of hype surrounding Ron Holland II after a few solid Summer League performances. I see the potential like everybody else. He played like a guy looking to take the next step on a playoff team. The only difference will be whether he can produce against NBA players on a nightly basis.
Coming into the NBA, Holland was praised for his athleticism, length, NBA-ready body, and a motor that never stopped. That last trait was a huge part of his success this summer. To take it even further, he needs to improve his shooting. That will come with practice and more time on the floor.
Familiar Path
Ausar Thompson was in a very similar situation to Holland entering year two. The team expected more from him on the offensive end. His niche was still defense, hustle, and rebounding. If Thompson can take a significant step forward offensively again this season, it would take a ton of pressure off of Detroit’s main scorers, allowing them to trust their teammates when it just might not be their night, or they are being double-teamed, forcing somebody else to shoot.
I’m not suggesting that Thompson, or Holland for that matter, will become 40% three-point shooters overnight. That was not what they were drafted to do. On the flip side, high percentage shooters tend to stretch their careers. Thompson has the ability to become an above average shooter from beyond the arc, but it will take time.
Crowded Position Battle
While a depth chart doesn’t mean nearly as much as it did 10-20 years ago, there is still a pecking order when it comes down to crunch time. Some teams have adopted a newer approach. They play the 5 hottest hands. They have a small/big lineup based on matchups. Some teams will just put four shooters and one rebounder on the floor.
If you take a peek at the early predictions, you’ll see Thompson, Holland II, Tobias Harris , Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert all vying for those crunch time minutes. It’s not a bad problem to have, until it is. Most games are decided in the final quarter—heck, usually in the final seven minutes. It’s hard to justify playing two guys with below average offensive output over three capable and clutch scorers.
Veteran Players Impact Goes Beyond The Court
J.B. Bickerstaff and his attention to detail and scouting made for a solid rotation last season. Aside from some second-guessing for a week or two after the playoff loss, his rotation was excellent during the regular season. Bickerstaff paired shooters with big men and big men with energy guys. If he saw a player had something driving him that night, he made sure to let him ride.
Despite not having that true #1 superstar (sorry Cade, you’re almost there), he was able to mesh together young gritty guys with seasoned savvy vets. The finished product was a work of art. With the Malik Beasley situation up in the air, if Thompson and Holland II can take that next step, their draft strategy will make them look more than capable. I’m also betting that Chaz Lanier might surprise folks this year. He took a long path to the NBA and his time might be now .
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