Pistons' Ron Holland finding ways to overcome a 'slow start' to season

CHARLOTTE — Cade Cunningham and Ron Holland II were among the last players to leave the practice floor at the Henry Ford Pistons Performance Center on Oct. 22. The two Dallas natives engaged in an easygoing one-on-one game, during which Holland made a contested fadeaway 3-pointer over Cunningham.Cunningham stayed calm when Holland started celebrating the shot because he knew the third-year forward had spent the entire summer working to become a better shooter. However, when the lights shone brightly through the first five games of the season, Holland looked nothing like the player who had spent countless hours in the gym.He started the season by missing his first six attempts from beyond the arc, a streak that ended at 3:55 in the third quarter when Holland made his first 3-pointer of the season off an assist from Kevin Huerter. The most modest fan at Barclays Center on Friday night reacted similarly to Cunningham, because of the confidence Holland showed on the shot. For Holland, however, the basket was a relief."It was the first one of the season. As y'all can see, I am never going to stop shooting because I work on my shot every day," Holland said. "It was good to finally see one go in to get into a rhythm and see what it feels like. Now, it's all about moving on to the next game. I am not going to let one shot determine who I am as a player, but I am going to keep shooting."Holland's struggle with his 3-point shot was one of several factors behind a disappointing start to his third year in the league, where his development appeared to have stagnated.More: For Pistons' Ebuka Okorie, NBA debut short-lived, but still 'a blessing'He came into the game against the Nets averaging 2.9 points on 22.5% shooting from the field. Beyond his poor scoring, several ill-advised defensive decisions got Holland into foul trouble multiple times, forcing coach J.B. Bickerstaff to bench him earlier than usual while playing other players in his minutes.Holland's struggles sparked public questions regarding the Pistons' decision to exercise their rookie-scale team option for the 2027–28 season. At the same time, these difficulties began to weigh on Holland's mind, as he realized he was not meeting the expectations set for him at the start of the season. For him, Holland believed he was on track for another DNP during the playoffs, similar to his first two years in the league."I am very aware that I am off to a slow start, but I am never going to let shooting or a few games define who I am," Holland said. "It's a long season, but I am here to work and to continue getting better. Grow with this team. Grow as a player. Grow as a man. But I have a long way to go and a lot to do, and I am excited about that."Holland played a key role in the Pistons' 60-win campaign last season. His development from his rookie year to his second season earned him a larger role on the team. He played in 78 regular-season games, averaging 19.9 minutes. He finished the season as one of four players in the top 30 in steals with 92 takeaways.Holland seemed ready to contribute significantly to Detroit's postseason efforts but spent most of the playoffs on the bench after Bickerstaff cut him from the rotation. Holland averaged 6.4 minutes over 14 playoff games. Most of his playing time came when the outcome was already decided."Some time in this league, you can do all the right things, but that does not mean it's going to come together," Duncan Robinson said. "He had had some really positive stretches that we have seen. We all know the kind of player that he is and what he is capable of. When he plays with confidence, he is a different player."Even amid his struggles through the first five games, Holland proved his value by refusing to let it define his game. Holland attributes his continued productivity to the confidence he gets from both the coaching staff and his teammates.In the Pistons' 128-111 victory over the Miami Heat on Oct. 23, Holland contributed with five rebounds, four assists and one steal in 22 minutes, which was vital since Detroit lost its All-Star center, Jalen Duren, to a hamstring injury.Holland's performance against the Heat was a strong rebound after he played under three minutes against the Boston Celtics due to a slow start and early foul trouble in the team's season opener. Two nights later in the Pistons' victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, Holland was the primary defender on Jaylen Brown, limiting the All-NBA forward to 16 points on 5-for-20 shooting.More: Pistons' Duncan Robinson is off to a sizzling start to the season"His impact in winning plays and the effort that he plays with, the way that he attacks the rim, runs the floor, and defends — those are the things I've been impressed with and pleased with," Bickerstaff said. "Now, it's about him getting comfortable with what we are doing offensively, which is new. Figuring out where he fits and gets his touches, where his shots are going to come from, but it is the same for everybody right now."In his 18-point performance against the Nets, Holland had one of the best shooting displays of his career. He shot 6-for-10 from the field, including 2-for-5 from deep, and added four steals. He also led the Pistons during a dominant third quarter, scoring 12 points and helping Detroit outscore the Nets 36-17.Holland's performance against the Nets earned him BTA honors (Belt To Ass) as he left Barclays Center with the team's WWE championship belt draped over his shoulder. The handover was appropriate, as Cunningham — the previous holder — acknowledged Holland's performance during the team's post-game celebration, creating a full-circle moment for the Texas natives."I know who I am and the energy I bring to this team," Holland said. "I am here with the franchise I want to be with, and I know they believe in me."coty.davis@detroitnews.com@cotydavis_24This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Pistons' Ron Holland finding ways to overcome a 'slow start' to season