Studs and duds: Pistons' grades for the preseason

Tim Hardaway Jr.: F 

Not a great start for the veteran in his homecoming to Detroit. Hardaway got starts in three of the five games but shot 17 percent overall and just 11 percent from the 3-point line. These are tiny sample size numbers and we know THJ can shoot, as he has a career of doing it, but he started to drop off last season and you have to wonder if this is sign of further decline. He’s not a good defender, so if he is not hitting shots, there is not much reason for him to be out there.  

With Ausar Thompson out, THJ is almost certain to be in the early rotation, but he only played 15 minutes a game in the preseason, so coach Bickerstaff may just use him as a steady veteran hand when needed. Given the Piston’s tough early schedule, they’ll need veterans with his kind of experience but he has to hit a few shots, it’s as simple as that. He can start by getting them out of the flow of the offense and not jacking up a shot as soon as he touches the ball. 

Ron Holland II: B+ 

Holland didn’t shoot the ball well, which was not a surprise, but he showed plenty everywhere else. Holland is a good defender already and really knows how to get into his man without fouling, which is an important skill for a young player. He is going to provide energy and defense off the bench and right now, I don’t know how coach Bickerstaff can keep him out of the rotation. 

Eventually, he’s going to have to start knocking down some of the open shots he’s had, but he’s shown the willingness to make the extra pass, is active on the boards and has been a difference maker on defense, so it was an exciting debut for the rookie.