The Detroit Pistons have upgraded their rotation in several key areas, including the acquisition of a new cast of sharpshooters. John Collins, Isaiah Joe, and Taurean Prince all project to improve Detroit's spacing and shooting, which should simplify the game for Cade Cunningham and company.
The Pistons still lack a proven shot creator along the wings, however, which means Ronald Holland II still has a clear path to a significant role. In saying that, time is running out for him to prove Detroit doesn't need to trade for an upgrade.
Holland isn't necessarily in danger of being traded himself, but the Pistons are a 60-win team hoping to make the leap to competing for a championship. Adding Collins, Joe, and Prince should help improve Detroit's spacing, but they have a well-documented dearth of shot creators.
In 2025-26, for instance, Cade Cunningham was the only Piston who averaged at least 20.0 points per game and one of just two who averaged at least 6.0 drives per contest.
That's where Holland, a 6'8" slashing scorer who can finish with both power and finesse, comes into play. He's yet to develop a consistent formula for success, but he's only 21 years of age and has the raw tools to be a high-level scorer.
The question is: Can Holland make enough progress in 2026-27 to convince the Pistons that they have the shot creator they need? Or will Detroit have to look to the trade market for help?
Pistons have a need for wing scorers—but is Ronald Holland II ready?
Holland already has positive elements to offer the Pistons, including tremendous value on defense. In 2025-26, he ranked in the 91st percentile in perimeter isolation defense and the 73rd percentile in off-ball chaser defense, as well as the 72nd percentile in defensive positional versatility, per Basketball Index.
Offensively, Holland is already one of the better players in the NBA at getting into the paint, ranking in the 80th percentile in rim shot creation.
Unfortunately, Holland ranked in the 30th percentile in rim shot making efficiency. For that matter, he placed in the 72nd percentile in overall shot quality, but still ranked in the 25th percentile in true shooting percentage and the 19th percentile in eFG%.
In other words: Holland does a fantastic job of getting good looks at the basket. Unfortunately, he just hasn't converted with ideal efficiency in any phase of the game.
The question entering the 2026-27 season is simple: Can Holland start converting those good looks with consistency? He doesn't have to be perfect, but if he shows clear signs of improvement, then the Pistons will have reason to stay the course and trust the process.
If Holland struggles to show signs of growth on offense in 2026-27, however, then the Pistons may need to bring in the type of support that would consume the minutes that are presently available.
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