10 Bold predictions for the Pistons and NBA in 2024-25 season

#4: Ron Holland III will make the All-Rookie team 

The Pistons got very little love for their selection of Holland II with the number five pick, something that will change after this season, as he is going to make an impact. 

With Ausar Thompson out indefinitely, Holland II is going to play right away and if he defends like he did in the preseason, it will be hard to keep him out of the rotation. 

He may not put up the counting stats of some of the other rookies, but he’s going to have highlight dunks and steals that will get him attention on the national stage. I like Holland to grab one of the spots on the All-Rookie second team. 

#3: The Pistons will add talent at the trade deadline 

Most of the talk around the veterans has been which one will be traded at the deadline, as both Beasley and THJ are on expiring contracts and may be coveted by contenders. 

This will be the deadline the Pistons go the other way and use THJ’s expiring deal plus their $10 million in cap space to add a player. 

I am not saying it’s going to be a superstar, but there will be guys like Brandon Ingram and Michael Porter Jr. possibly available if their respective teams underperform and they want to cut money. 

Another team to watch is the Houston Rockets, who just committed a ton of money to Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun and could want to move a player like Tari Eason or even Jabari Smith Jr. before they are extension eligible. 

Let’s hope the Pistons are in a position to want to improve at the deadline instead of giving away players for 2nd-round picks.