Cade Cunningham’s Honest Thoughts on Pistons Rookie After a Tough Moment

On November 17, 2024By Pranco

Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks was a roller coaster situation for Detroit Pistons rookie Ron Holland. On the one hand, the young forward earned his first start of the year in the absence of the injured Tim Hardaway Jr. With that opportunity, the Netherlands showed many positive flashes all night.

On the other hand, his lack of experience was reflected in the crucial time. With the game on the line, Holland had a chance to make two free throws to give the Pistons the lead with just one second left. He missed both shots short, sending the game into overtime.

The misses hurt even more as the Pistons lost control in OT, allowing a Giannis Antetokounmpo masterclass finish with the Bucks on top.

Some newbies may hang their heads and struggle to get past the fact that they struggled to finish a match on top for their team. For the Netherlands, he received praise from Detroit star Cade Cunningham for being able to recover quickly and continue contributing for his side in an NBA Cup match.

Pistons try the incoming lob to win the game and they miss, but Giannis was called for a foul

Ron Holland II went to the line and missed BOTH free throws. Pistons-Bucks go to overtime.pic.twitter.com/CFZC5zZ45b

— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) November 14, 2024

“His mental toughness is different from that of a rookie,” Cunningham told reporters.

“We talked to him, but I think after what happened he was ready for today’s game. He was ready to shake it off and move on to another game. I think the best thing about the NBA is that you’ll get another one in a day or two. He came in, performed today and now we’re moving on to a dub. We are one step closer to the cup. Everyone is happy with that.”

When Holland made his first start against the Bucks, he made 50 percent of his shots and scored 11 points in 28 minutes. He also had four rebounds and two assists in the seven-point loss.

When Jaden Ivey returned from injury against the Toronto Raptors on Friday, JB Bickerstaff kept Malik Beasley in the starting five and moved him to Hardaway’s spot. Holland resumed his role from the bench, earning some extended playing time as a reserve.

In its first twelve games, the Netherlands played an average of fifteen minutes on the floor. On Friday he came off the bench for more than twenty minutes. His confidence was still there as he scored 10 points while pulling down eight rebounds.

“That’s my man, man,” Cunningham added.

Ron Holland busy compilation

He’s carrying a serious bike! pic.twitter.com/sW1xvGxWvz

— .Mike (@ToTheBasketPod) November 16, 2024

“He wants to play as hard as he can every day. I don’t know what words I can say to Ron. He’s a different guy. I’m just happy for him, man. He held it out. He had some tough plays early. His mental strength – I think that’s the best thing about him – helped us.”

Coming out of the NBA G League Ignite program last season, Holland was one of two Top 15 picks from the league’s development program. He was drafted fifth overall by the Pistons.

After averaging 19 points and seven rebounds in the G League, the 19-year-old has produced six points and three rebounds per game as an everyday rotation player for the Pistons.

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