We have had two weeks now to digest the Detroit Pistons' draft strategy, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they will fit within the roster.
First, we have Ron Holland, who quite possibly has the highest potential in the entire draft. He has his weaknesses that may hold him back, but the talent is clearly there. Then we have Bobi Klintman, who is the exact archetype that Detroit is searching for.
So, if everything aligns for each player, what is their ceiling? Vice Versa, if their development is not a success, what is their floor comparison?
Ron Holland, 6’8 SF, 5th Overall
Ceiling: Mikal Bridges/Jaylen Brown
Floor: Gerald Wallace
Most Likely Scenario: R.J Barrett
Ron Holland was asked who he sees himself as in the NBA after being drafted by Detroit. Some heads were turned when he said Mikal Bridges. Bridges had just been traded to the Knicks for a sizable return, and is considered one of the best players in the league due to his ability to fit in with any rotation. As lofty as it may be, I agree that Ron has the ability to mirror Bridges career, with a bit of Jaylen Brown thrown in there.
Ron is two inches taller than both Bridges and Brown, he does a little both from both stars’ game. Both Ron and Mikal are slashing wings who are above average defensively. On the other hand, Ron struggles to create at times, similar to both Brown and Bridges. His shooting falls closer to Jaylen, if not worse, but all three are dogs who can lead a team.
Holland’s floor has often been compared to Gerald Wallace. The 6-foot-7, 14 year vet hung up his shoes in 2014, but had a career in which he averaged 11.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and shot 31 percent from three. He was a fan favorite and absolute lightning rod, but never was truly able to get his shooting to come around. Still, his defense and fearless playstyle adhered him to fans and players alike. For what it’s worth, Wallace did make one All-Star appearance, even with his limited offensive skillset.
"Game after game, there wasn’t anywhere on the court that the energetic headband-wearing high-flyer wouldn’t launch himself towards for the good of the team. Whether it was the ferocious dunks, tenacious defense or all-out hustle for unclaimed loose balls, the potential for jaw-dropping action spiked whenever Wallace took the floor."Sam Perley with NBA.com on Wallace
Detroit knew what they were getting into when selecting Ron Holland. They knew the risk that would be attached by drafting the Ignite alum. If they can unlock his skills, he could be the best player in this draft. If not, his floor is not one that Detroit can house at the moment with their current roster. Thus the vast difference in his ceiling/floor comps.
I think if he can land somewhere in the middle, a wing who can play above average defense, attack in transition, and score when called upon, that’s a win for Detroit. All this to say, if Detroit can come away with an R.J Barrett-like player, there is definite value in that.
Bobi Klintman, 6’9 PF, 37th Overall
Ceiling: Slightly taller Jerami Grant/De’Andre Hunter
Floor: Maxi Kleber
Most Likely Scenario: Trendon Watford/Bobby Portis
Ron Holland might have the ceiling of perennial All-Stars, but Bobi Klintman, too, has a ceiling that could help this team. Bobi is an above average three point shooter, and at 6-foot-9, offers a ton at the stretch four position. It took some time for him to get his footing while at Wake Forest, but after transferring overseas, he shot almost 36 percent from three with 9.7 points and 4.8 rebounds. Klintman showed he was worthy of a team taking him on as a project.
It’s truly his floor spacing in addition to his defensive ability that leads his ceiling to be that of Jerami Grant or De’Andre Hunter. Klintman is listed as 6’9/6’10 depending on the source, and fills the same role that Grant and Hunter play. A stretch four that can switch on the defensive end. He can pass well, runs the floor with the best of them, and, like Jerami and De’Andre, can be a go-to scorer at times.
On the other side of the spectrum, his size and skillset immediately brings Maxi Kleber to mind, possibly as a floor situation. Kleber is a similar 6-foot-10, but is 240 lbs compared to Bobi being 225. Maxi has been an important piece for the reigning Western Conference Champs, but isn’t quite as vital as Grant or Hunter. He doesn’t quite move as well as the other two, and his three point shooting sits at just around 35 percent, but is considered to still be a spacing power forward.
I have spent a good amount of time watching Klintman, and was hoping Detroit would make some sort of move to go get the stretch forward, I think he falls closer to the Grant/Hunter career, but even if not, I could see a likely scenario in which he winds up as a more fluid Bobby Portis. Portis has great size, the ability to space the floor to the tune of 40 percent from three, and has garnered Sixth Man of the Year votes in three of the last four seasons.
Portis has played some time at the center position, which I don’t see for Klintman and thus where Watford comes in. Trendon is a great floor spacer standing at 6-foot-9, but lacks in the rebounding arena. Klintman’s offensive game is a mixture of both guys.
Unlike Holland, Klintman likely has the ability to grow for at least a year in the G-League, so there is a definite possibility that his career plays out similar to Jerami Grant/De’Andre Hunter or Bobby Portis/Trendon Watford.