Detroit Pistons Surprise Many With No. 5 Pick In The NBA Draft

Last year’s pick, Ausar Thompson, was a stellar defender and passer but lacked shooting. It feels like the Detroit Pistons are getting a similar player in Ron Holland. The good news is Holland is only 18 years old and has above-average skills in rebounding, passing, and defending. Shooting is the part of his game that needs work, which is why many scratch their heads at the pick.

The new president of basketball operations, Trajan Langdon, must love something about Holland because not many people had him going in the top five. However, this is a draft with no clear best player. If a front office likes a certain player, it may not be a reach to take them anywhere in the first round. While the lack of shooting may scare some, there does seem to be a plan.

Shooting Coach

The Detroit Pistons do not have a head coach, but they do have legendary shooting coach Fred Vinson. He was the one who helped Lonzo Ball with his shooting mechanics and also made strides with Herb Jones. Vinson will have his hands full with Ron Holland, Ausar Thompson, and many others on the team who need to improve their shooting.

The Detroit Pistons continued to acquire young talent. Ultimately, Holland could become a strong lockdown defender, which is needed in today’s NBA. The best-case scenario is he improves his shooting, and in a few years, the Pistons will have a 20-year-old budding superstar to help them get back to the playoffs.