Ron Holland? Sure, Ron Holland. Let’s begin with the negatives first:
Holland solely measured 6-6 1/2 on the NBA Draft Mix, he shot a ghastly 24 p.c from 3 within the G League, and his avert-your-eyes begin to the G League season — together with an 11-turnover sport — had scouts shuddering.
Now, for the excellent news: He got here into the 12 months because the top-rated participant on most boards, had higher numbers with G League Ignite than another one-and-done in its historical past … and one way or the other went careening down draft boards anyway, even in a draft 12 months the place completely no one got here in and claimed the highest spot for themselves.
I don’t actually get it. The largest grievance with Holland is his lack of effectivity, however that was baked within the second Ignite constructed this roster. Nearly any teenager put in a state of affairs the place he has to hold a 30 p.c utilization price goes to wrestle; we noticed it with LaMelo Ball in Australia and Scoot Henderson in Portland. Holland was no completely different, particularly since he’s not a pure level guard within the first place. Enjoying on a crew with no actual creator, he typically needed to name his personal quantity in opposition to loaded-up defenses.
Did he get tunnel imaginative and prescient as soon as he put it on the ground? Completely. Was it so tragic to rule him out versus different non-overwhelming choices? I don’t suppose so, particularly because the season wore on.
Holland’s numbers stack up properly in opposition to Jalen Inexperienced’s with Ignite and are superior to each different Ignite perimeter participant who has come by. That occurred regardless of Holland lacking the ultimate two months of the season, when his rising expertise would have given him an edge and when the remainder of the G League is at its most depleted resulting from call-ups and fewer project gamers.
In his Ignite season, Inexperienced posted a 15.4 PER with 61.3 p.c true taking pictures; Holland had a 15.8 PER on 56.5 p.c. The taking pictures numbers had been unhealthy, however Inexperienced performed on a extra coherent crew and thus additionally was solely requested to hold a 23 p.c utilization price at this degree, not Holland’s 28 p.c. Additionally, remember the fact that Holland’s free-throw price was fairly large for a fringe participant; 4 free-throw makes an attempt per sport might not appear to be a lot till you bear in mind the G League shoots one try that counts for 2 factors. Solely 10 gamers in the entire G League matched his price. And even with Holland’s brutal early turnover points, his help and turnover charges had been basically the identical as Inexperienced’s age-18 season.
Inexperienced can be the No. 1 decide on this draft; I feel Holland ought to be too.
The opposite purpose to love Holland is his protection. His 3.5 p.c steal price stands out; some iffy gambles spiked the full, however there’s actual expertise (and fireplace) on this finish. Total, his charges of rebounds, steals and blocks evaluate favorably to former Ignite lottery decide Dyson Daniels, as an illustration, who has now turn out to be an superior defender on the NBA degree. I feel Holland has related pathways to being elite at this finish.
On high of that, there’s the nice ol’ eye take a look at. I’ve seen Holland shoot a ton, each earlier than video games and through them, having watched him in individual a number of occasions during the last 12 months. He has a low push shot that wants some work, however he’s additionally not a 24 p.c 3-point shooter. His 72.8 p.c mark from the road is a extra correct inform on the place he stands as a shooter — he is not Stephen Curry, however his shot isn’t damaged both. Simply reaching the purpose the place he makes one in three would make him a potent two-way wing, and that feels attainable.
Lastly, take into account Holland’s age. With a July 2005 birthdate, he’s practically a full 12 months youthful than a number of different gamers vying for locations with him within the excessive lottery: He is six months youthful than Rob Dillingham, 9 months youthful than Stephon Fortress or Matas Buzelis and greater than a 12 months youthful than Donovan Clingan and Reed Sheppard. Groups get caught on class 12 months, however start 12 months is what issues.
It is not a slam dunk, and you would make a reputable case for a number of gamers, however Holland has been the highest participant on my board for the reason that 2023 Hoop Summit. He nonetheless has the most effective general résumé.