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Pistons evaluate Ron Holland's potential as elite defender alongside Ausar Thompson

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 5, 2026, 11:00 PM

Last updated Jul 5, 2026

Pistons evaluate Ron Holland's potential as elite defender alongside Ausar Thompson

Summary

The Detroit Pistons are assessing Ron Holland's defensive abilities following his selection in the top five of the 2024 NBA Draft. Although Holland has mostly played off the bench, he is known for his defensive prowess, including an average of 2.3 steals per game in the G-League. Competing for minutes with Ausar Thompson, who was a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award, both players have contributed to a strong defensive culture under head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Holland is also working to improve his offensive skills, recently shooting 40.6% from three-point range in the last 15 games of the season. The Pistons hope to utilize both players' skills to enhance their defensive capabilities going forward.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Holland has played mostly on the Pistons' second unit.
•Thompson finished third in the Defensive Player of the Year voting.
•Holland averaged 1.2 stocks per game, while Thompson had 2.5.
•Both players enhance the Pistons' perimeter defense strategy.
•Holland improved his three-point shooting towards the end of the season.

Latest Updates

11:00 PMYahoo Sports — Detroit Pistons: Can Ron Holland Follow In Ausar Thompson’s Defensive Footsteps?

What they're saying

"
The Detroit Pistons are bringing Ron Holland along as another elite perimeter defender, but the question remains as to whether he can eventually reach the level that Ausar Thompson has established on defense so far
— Yahoo Sports

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Detroit Pistons NBA Basketball