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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ron Holland shows off outside shot as Detroit Pistons blow out Knicks in Summer League
LAS VEGAS — The Detroit Pistons got off to a commanding start in Summer League play on Friday, July 11. Ron Holland was a big reason why. The 20-year-old forward finished with 28 points (8-for-12 overall, 4-for-5 from 3), 11 rebounds, three steals and a block to lead the Pistons to a 104-86 victory over the New York Knicks at Cox Pavilion. Advertisement Two-way point guard Daniss Jenkins added 18 points and two-way center Tolu Smith added 16 points and 11 rebounds. 2024 second-round pick Bobi Klintman (10 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals) and 2025 second-rounder Chaz Lanier (10 points, four assists) also scored in double figures. The Pistons next play in Summer League on Sunday, July 13, against the Houston Rockets at 4 p.m. (ESPN2, FanDuel Sports Network Detroit Extra). Ron Holland II of the Detroit Pistons poses for a portrait during the 2024 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at UNLV in Las Vegas on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. RON UNSTOPPABLE: Holland has 'relentless' offseason for Detroit Pistons: 'I left a lot on the table' Ron Holland showcases improved outside jumper Holland might officially be too good for summer league. The second-year wing, just as he was in his rookie season, was relentless. He had two steals in the opening minutes, with the second leading to a fastbreak layup. His passing was active – he made a point early to locate Smith for interior passes. Advertisement But Holland truly took over in the third quarter, scoring 18 points within the period while knocking down all three of his 3-point attempts. The second was a step-back 3 from the corner, and the last was a deep attempt a second before the quarter expired. After checking in midway through the final period, he added another 3-pointer with four minutes left. Outside shooting has been an emphasis for him this summer after he knocked down just 23.8% of his 3s as a rookie. He airballed his lone attempt in the first half, but all his second-half attempts looked fluid and comfortable. Additionally, Holland also generated pressure at the rim and knocked down eight of 13 free throw attempts. Klintman's passing still looks good On back-to-back possessions, Klintman showcased the passing that made him one of the team's most intriguing prospects in Las Vegas a year ago. A touch pass to former Duke wing Trevor Keels generated a wide-open 3-pointer, and he connected with Keels the following possession on a cutting layup. His five assists led the Pistons. Advertisement Klintman also showcased his defensive instincts by coming up with a pair of steals in the first half. Both led to points — a fastbreak dunk, followed by a pair of free throws. The 6-foot-10 forward could have an opportunity this season with the team lacking depth at the four. Jenkins asserts himself as a scorer After establishing himself as one of the Motor City Cruise's top players last season, Jenkins was on a mission in Las Vegas. He got the Pistons on the board with a 3-pointer and hit several tough baskets over the course of the game, including a floater after regaining his balance. Jenkins only shot 33.5% from 3 last season but knocked down three of his five attempts against the Knicks. He led the Pistons in scoring at halftime with 13 points, before Holland erupted in the third. Follow the Pistons all year long with the best coverage at Advertisement Submit a letter to the editor at and we may publish it online or in print. Follow the Detroit Free Press on Instagram (@detroitfreepress), TikTok (@detroitfreepress), YouTube (@DetroitFreePress), X (@freep), and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook (@detroitfreepress). This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Pistons stomp New York Knicks in Summer League opener, 104-86
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
In Detroit Pistons' Summer League win, Bobi Klintman shows playmaking talent
LAS VEGAS — He's not a point guard, but good things tend to happen when Bobi Klintman has the ball. He was the Detroit Pistons' best playmaker in their 104-86 blowout of the New York Knicks in their Summer League opener on Friday, July 11. But it's not just that he had a team-high five assists — it's how he got them. Advertisement The 22-year-old forward ran a highlight pick-and-roll with big man Tolu Smith, delivering an on-time behind-the-back pass in the second quarter. On consecutive possessions in the first period, he assisted former Duke sharpshooter Trevor Keels to produce a wide-open 3-pointer and a layup. Bobi Klintman of the Detroit Pistons poses for a portrait during the 2024 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at UNLV in Las Vegas on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. FRIDAY'S ACTION: Ron Holland shows off outside shot as Detroit Pistons blow out Knicks in Summer League Klintman, drafted in 2024's second round (at No. 37 overall), has received scant opportunity outside with the Pistons so far. But he played 32 games with the Motor City Cruise last year. His Cruise teammates who are with him in Las Vegas — Smith and Daniss Jenkins — are well-aware of his vision and eager to see him capitalize in summer league for the second year in a row. Advertisement 'Bobi's a pro,' said Smith, who had a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. 'From not just scoring, from the aspect of being 6-10 and being able to handle the ball like that and make the right read every time. Him playing with a lot of great players makes him thrive even more. He's a great guy, he has great vision. All-around player.' Klintman didn't have a reputation as a playmaker during his lone season at Wake Forest in 2022-23, averaging less than a full assist (0.8) per game. Nor did his passing pop in his only season with Cairns Taipans in the National Basketball League in Australia a year later, when he averaged 0.7 assists and 1.6 turnovers. But in Vegas last summer, his vision was immediately noticeable. He posted 13 points, five assists and five rebounds in his 2024 Summer League debut, once again leading the team in assists. 'I feel like I've always been an underrated passer,' he said after his debut last July. 'When I started playing basketball, I started as a point guard because I was playing with my brother. I feel like I had that throughout my career. I've been able to show it more at different stages. I always try to do what the coach asks of me. When I can show that, I try to go out and do that.' Advertisement In the G League, Klintman averaged 12.2 points, seven rebounds and 4.3 assists. Of the Cruise's full-time players, only Jenkins averaged more assists per game. Detroit Pistons forward Paul Reed (7) and forward Bobi Klintman (34) celebrate 117-97 win over Boston Celtics during the second half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. His first real opportunity for the Pistons didn't come until their season finale on the road against the Milwaukee Bucks. With the core roster shut down in the second half, Klintman had an all-around strong performance with 15 points (on 6-for-8 shooting), six assists and no turnovers in just under 23 minutes. 'I've been telling Bobi ever since he'd been doing stuff from this offseason, ever since our last game in the G League and whenever he last played, I just told him I'm proud of the way he's carried himself this year,' said Jenkins, who scored 18 points Friday. 'He's looked like a pro this year. And to me, his game has shown that.' Advertisement It's too early to say if Klintman will earn more minutes this season. But there's a gap at backup power forward after the team traded Simone Fontecchio to the Miami Heat. Other than Tobias Harris, there aren't any natural fours on the roster. Klintman will have to shoot the ball better than he did with the Cruise (30.1% on 4.7 attempts per game). But he has a longer track record as a solid shooter than as a passer, hitting 36.8% of his 3-pointers in college and 35.7% in Australia. Another strong showing in Vegas would provide more evidence that Klintman may be ready for a larger role. 'He's very serious about what he's trying to accomplish this year, how he's looked, how he's playing in the games,' Jenkins said. 'I think he looks like a real good player now.' Follow the Pistons all year long with the best coverage at Advertisement Submit a letter to the editor at and we may publish it online or in print. Follow the Detroit Free Press on Instagram (@detroitfreepress), TikTok (@detroitfreepress), YouTube (@DetroitFreePress), X (@freep), and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook (@detroitfreepress). Next up: Rockets Matchup: Pistons (1-0) vs. Houston (0-0), Las Vegas Summer League exhibition. Tipoff: 4 p.m. Sunday, July 13; Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas. TV: ESPN2; FanDuel Sports Network Detroit Extra. The rest of the schedule July 15: Minnesota Timberwolves, 4:30 p.m., FSND, NBA TV. July 17: Miami Heat, 4 p.m., FSND, NBA TV. Advertisement July 18-20: Championship/consolation round. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Pistons' Bobi Klintman shows more Summer League playmaking
