The 'new' Pistons make a familiar move by drafting Ron Holland II

Now it's more than worth noting that Holland could become anything in the NBA. He could become the next LeBron James or the next Killian Hayes. That much is up to him and the Pistons coaching staff.

That's the promise of upside and Holland's athleticism and size sure means he have plenty of upside.

The problem for Detroit? 

Upside is all the Pistons have been banking on as of late, and it has led to terrible results.

Speaking of Hayes, he was a high-upside player out of France when Weaver drafted him. Hayes wasn't even 20 yet and the Pistons were hoping he could develop a shot to go along with his athleticism and defensive prowess. 

He's now completely out of the league.

Jaden Ivey was selected No. 5 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft for his upside. He came out of Purdue as a tremendously raw athlete with elite tools. Now heading into Year 3 in the NBA, there are questions as to whether or not he fits with the Pistons — especially in this new era.

And finally, perhaps the most glaring example of an upside pick was Ausar Thompson out of Overtime Elite in the 2023 NBA Draft. The Pistons took Thompson because of his 6-foot-6 frame and tremendous athleticism with the hope that he could develop a shot. Thompson flashed tremendous defensive prowess as a rookie last season, but he only shot 48.3% from the field and was abysmal from three, shooting 18.3% from downtown.

Anything Thompson brings to the table in 2024 and beyond is pure potential and upside.

It's pure speculation, and that's exactly what the Pistons have done again with the selection of Holland.

Holland averaged 18.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in just 15 G-League games before he sat out due to a thumb injury. He shot only 23.9% from the three-point line, and that's where he'll need to improve — quickly — in order to reach his full NBA potential.

Sound familiar? 

Meet the new Detroit Pistons — same as the old Detroit Pistons.