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Cade Cunningham Reveals Thoughts on Detroit Pistons’ Top Rookie

What does Cade Cunningham think of the Detroit Pistons' first-rounder, Ron Holland?
Justin Grasso|
Mar 9, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles defended by Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles defended by Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports | Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

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Detroit Pistons

When the Detroit Pistons entered the 2024 NBA Draft last month, they possessed the fifth overall pick.

After the pick was revealed, many were shocked to see the Pistons take a player from the NBA G League Ignite who wasn’t Matas Buzelis. Instead, Detroit went with Buzelis’ teammate, Ron Holland.

Going into the 2024-2025 NBA season, Holland will serve as the Pistons’ top rookie.

What does the team’s top star think about the latest first-round acquisition? Recently, Cunningham endorsed Holland as they reunite in Detroit as pros after several years.

“I think he can be a really big-time player,” Cunningham said of Holland recently. “It’s crazy seeing him here and us being in Detroit together. We were kids — he was a kid when I first met him — so it’s really crazy to see now. He has a ton of potential, but he’s a really good player now. He’s going to be able to help us.”

So far, the Pistons haven’t seen a ton from Holland, as his G League run was cut short, and the NBA Summer League is just getting started. But based on the two-game sample size, Cunningham likes what he’s seen from Detroit’s young group, including the second-rounder Bobi Klintman and the two-way rookie Daniss Jenkins.

“I think they’ve been really good,” Cunningham explained. “I like how hard they play. I feel like they want to make the right play over and over. It’s been really good, and I’m excited to practice with them and get to play with them a little more.”

Through the Pistons’ first two games of action, Holland has been available for one outing. In his Summer League debut against the Philadelphia 76ers, the rookie first-rounder produced 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks.

While Holland’s role for next season is currently unclear, he could play notable minutes alongside Cunningham, being that he’s the top-five pick on a rebuilding squad.

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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia

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