The 2024 NBA Draft will be held on Wednesday, June 26th and Thursday, June 27th. Our resident draft expert Bryant has semi-retired from draft scouting, so we won’t have his usual in-depth breakdowns to rely on. So we’re going to do our draft coverage a little differently this year. We’ll present some prospects, share some highlight videos, and share some general thoughts before opening it up to the group to discuss.
ESPN’s latest mock draft (paywall) has the Sacramento Kings selecting Ron Holland of the G League Ignite.
“Landing on a Sacramento team with established talent and roles, which won’t ask Holland to be an offensive focal point, could be ideal long term for his game. That move would allow Holland to get back to his roots as a tough defender and high-energy contributor.”
Holland is a draft-crush for many Kings fans, so we’ll take this opportunity to discuss him further!
NBA Position: Wing
General Info: 18-year-old, played at G League Ignite. From Duncanville, TX.
Measurables: 6’6.5″ w/o shoes, 196.8 lbs, 6’10.75″ wingspan.
2023-2024 Season Statistics: 18.5 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.8 APG, 2.1 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 3.5 TPG (15 games played, 30.3 minutes per game), 47.4% FG, 23.9% 3P, 68.5% FT
The first thing I noticed when I started looking at Ron Holland’s measurements was his wingspan. A 6’6″ or 6’7″ small forward normally wouldn’t excite me. But with a nearly 6’11” wingspan, the equation changes. Holland is, by NBA wing standards) small and nimble but still has the length to be a disruptive force on the defensive end.
Looking at the numbers, that horrible three-point percentage jumps out. Holland is not going to stretch the floor on a regular basis. Watching highlights, Holland doesn’t have a terrible shooting stroke, it’s actually surprising he shoots so poorly. I won’t be surprised if his shooting improves to a more respectable level during his NBA career, but it’s also not something you can count on if you draft him. But the other big numbers are the rebounds, steals, and blocks. 6.7 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game is fantastic production from a wing player.
It’s easy to see why Holland is a favorite prospect for many Kings fans. He’s a disruptive defensive wing, contributes across the board, and contributes on offense even without elite shooting. He attacks the rim, but also has good passing vision when bottled up by defenses. It’s easy to see how he could play alongside De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and Keegan Murray. If Holland ended up being Sacramento’s pick at 13, I’d be pretty excited.
I’m struggling to avoid overhyping the chances that Holland falls to 13, because he’s far and away my ideal draft outcome.
I too would be surprised if he fell to #13. He’s just too perfect for rebuilding teams who can take time to develop him. I don’t think he slips past Utah at #10.
He’s very likely gone before 13. He’s a jump shot away from being a #1 pick.
I would think that’s a long way from #1 then.
ok, but that means some good player has to drop. I like Carter but he is not a good fit for Kings. Bulls may have given him a promise at #11
I reviewed the draft predictions again. I think Holland has the best chance of falling to #13. This, is of course contingent on Carter going- probably to Bulls at #11. There are 4 Euros, 2 UConn, 2 Kentucky, Cody Williams, Knect and Batzulis + Holland. If Carter gets picked, Holland is most likely drop.
If Carter gets picked, IMO, Kings should draft who ever drops. If Carter drops to #13, there will be suiters. Try to trade down to one of the NYK picks (or both), to Washington at 23. Not past #28 Denver though.
Then use the lower pick on DaRon Holmes. Scenario: #13 +HB + assets to Washington for Kuzma and #23. Kings end up with Kuzma and Holmes.
Same could be done if Holland drops although he is a better pick for Kings.
I would trade for LaVine only if Bulls want a salary dump and the deal is advantageous for Kings. No future picks and no Keon.
Keon’s production versus cost is in the 90th percentile. He is one of those pieces that all teams need to in order to build a great team under the new CBA. He is our low-rent Caruso.
I like his profile also, but why does he make me think of O-Max Prosper?
Love his surname.
Rik,
When did Ron change his name from Alamo to Holland?
He would be nice. I don’t expect him to be available at 13. Could/should the Kings trade up to get him? Would that be worthwhile in this draft?
Is it just me or does he kind of run and move around like a young Harrison Barnes? That’s not necessarily a bad thing. If we could get a Harrison Barnes out of the 13th pick, I would be a static.
Ecstatic* stupid autocorrect
Have an expresso and forget about it.
PROS
– Dog on defense, can guard 3 positions
– plus rebounder
– can get downhill and attack the rim
– runs well in transition, moves without the ball, lob threat
– able and willing to make the extra pass
CONS
– shooting is BAAAADDDD and I don’t believe his shot will ever be respected, will affect spacing
– decision making can be questionable, does too much sometimes, turnover prone
– self creation is questionable, but Kings don’t need that really
– flashes of playmaking but overall inconsistent, MAYBE he can be a tertiary playmaker one day
Overall, he’s extremely raw. I always advocate for the McNair philosophy of draft what you can project. Right now, Holland is a third string energy wing. He’ll get some defensive stops, some boards, and maybe a couple of nice dunks. But the game is really limited outside of that. If you believe the self creation and playmaking will grow, which is totally possible, he could end up a swiss-army type starter ala Bruce Brown 2.0. I believe he could be that player in 2-3 years. For him to be a borderline all-star, though, he’ll need to be able to shoot at least 35-36% from deep, and I doubt he’ll ever be that player.
In sum, I see more bust potential than most other Kings fans do. Even if he realizes the potential that people see, I don’t think it will come on a timeline that will be meaningful for the Kings. Every year people fall in love with 19 year old athletic freaks, and more often than not they don’t pan out. He gets a shoulder shrug from me.
Yeah, he’d basically replace Kessler Edwards’ role in the rotation next season, which isn’t saying much. He’s just exteremly raw, but has serious upside, in a Gerald Wallace kind of way. I don’t think we’ll know for sure how good he can be for at least 2-3 seasons.
There are only a couple guys in the top of the draft that can come in and contribute right away – Carter, Knecht, maybe Castle – and I dont see them falling to #13.
Everyone else is gonna need to marinate for a couple seasons. If that’s the case, I’d probably prefer trading #13 for a rotation player like Collins, Kuzma, etc. I’m sure some team is gonna like a guy like Topic, Salaun, Dillingham or Williams enough that they’d be willing to move up, and one of them is 100% going to be sitting there at #13
I’d also be open to trading down to the 20s and taking day-1 role players like Jaylon Tyson, Da Silva, Filipowski, or Edey, or taking Tyler Smith to develop in the G League.
I think da Silva could come in and contribute right away, but I’m not sure he’s gonna be any better than a Francisco Garcia level type of player. He’d be useful but not a game changer.
I agree which is why I don’t like the idea of spending a #13 pick on him. #20 or later sure why not but #13 I’d want a high level role player (Knecht or Carter) or a trade for a rotation player.
Yeah, I have a feeling Monte is going to first look to trade the pick in package for an upgrade in talent, if not then trade back for upperclassman/bench piece and additional assets. His last choice will be to keep the pick at #13
The good news at least is that I like the #13 pick. The draft is not too heavy but it is deep. There isn’t so much difference between #4-#14 and so we’ll have the ability to take an intriguing prospect on a low rookie-scale deal or make a trade. Lots of flexibility.
Yup. Truth be told, Monte has the contracts and flexibility to really re-shape this roster. Should be an exciting next few weeks… I hope.
I think da Silva will be an okay player but I’d much rather take a shot at Carrington or Holmes than da Silva.
I think at some point Monte needs to draft a ceiling raiser for the roster, even if that takes 2 or 3 years to be realized. If Holland or Salaun are there at 13, they have to be strongly considered, in my opinion.
If he becomes and average 3pt shooter, along with his defense, transition play, and the other intangibles, then things start to change for the team.. Holland and Murray defending on the perimeter would really help moving forward. Add in Ellis and an improving defensive Fox, and this team could really make some noise in the coming years.
The other contributors that may be there at 13 are seen as bench depth, and this team needs top end talent. Take a swing and see what happens.
Taking a swing for the sake of it is how you waste draft picks. During the 16 year drought the Kings took so many home run swings on raw prospects that ended up out of the league entirely. Those “high ceiling” players never seemed to raise the Kings ceiling, nor their floor.
Unless you’re picking in the Top 3-5, the surest way to actually get a star in this league is by trading for them. Whether that’s a guy like Siakam or Ingram that outgrows their team, or taking a flyer on a young guy who flourishes in a new environment like Lauri Markkannen.
The way to trade for these types of guys is by collecting quality rotation players on rookie scale or MLE deals – that means swinging for a single or double rather than striking out while going for a home run.
There’s a saying in the finance world that being right but early is the same as being wrong. Well, look at Malik Monk, Markkannen, etc. These were guys that were picked at 19 years old that contributed nothing to their first team, but with age and experience grew into real players in their later stops. The teams that picked them were indeed right about what they couldve been, but still wrong to have taken them at that time.
If you like a guy like Holland or Salaun, much better to let another team panic over their development for the next 2-4 years until they decide to sell low when things aren’t going well. I’d much rather have one of these 19 year olds on a cheap second contract when they’re actually ready to contribute than get nothing out of them on their rookie deals.
I don’t see it as taking a swing for the sake of taking a swing. Holland has some real translatable skills, especially defensively. If they don’t have a deal that includes the #13 pick, I think they need to use that to acquire someone that they think can become a high level starter (even if it takes 2 or 3 years).
With the current contracts, and extensions coming soon, acquiring a star via trade is going to be a challenge for the Kings. Can they add another $30m+/year contract when Fox will be getting a max and Keegan getting the rookie scale extension in 2 years? I don’t think the Kings can operate that way. Vivek won’t be going in to the tax.
So how else do they add high-end level talent? Kings mediocre starters/bench + minimal draft capital pales in comparison to what other teams have to offer. They would likely be taking on damaged goods or bloated contracts.
Giannis went #13, and the Bucks are probably pretty happy with waiting on him to develop. Using a #13 pick in a mediocre draft to wait and see if a guy can contribute to playoff basketball in a few years is worth it. Maybe that isn’t Holland or Salaun. Maybe there is another player the Kings see as being that guy with patience to develop.
Shannon Jr I think could contribute right away
I had the same Gerald Wallace comp.
You already have Edwards. I like the guy.
Josh Jackson?
Kuminga?
I don’t see him in a lineup with Sabonis. He stretches the floor about as well as Edey. He’s a year or two away from being a year or two away. Feels like a Gerald Wallace…a lot to like but several years away from being a contributor.
His ceiling seems like Gerald Wallace/Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
How many impactful wing players are there in the NBA today that can’t shoot? Can’t think of many. Don’t see the point of drafting Holland at 13.
Pascal Siakam, Kyle Kuzma. Giannis (who is a freak). Zion (another freak). Paolo (though he is improving). Aaron Gordon. DeRozan. Franz Wagner. Not a huge list.
Most the players you cite can shoot at least from the mid range, aside from Giannis. Everything I’ve read on Holland pegs him as a complete non-shooter.
Tony Allen may be another comp, but players like that are basically unplayable in today’s NBA. Giddey was unplayable in the playoffs because be can’t shoot.
Top 15 is too high for Holland imo.
If they can make an all-nba defensive team, then they are playable. I’m just not sure if Holland is that kind of player.
That is not a long list, but it is a list of hugely impactful players. Hard to tell if Holland is going to join the list though.
I hope we draft someone with the height of Michael “the Animal” Smith, the ferocity of Duane Causwell, the passing chops of Rudy Gay, the handles of Buddy “where’d the ball go?” Hield, and that sweet-as-apple-vinegar shooting touch of Georgios Papagiannis.
Does Papa G. have a son?
We already have all the players you describe. They are the bench.
A 19 year old project that is high energy, turnover prone, inferior shooting, questionable decision making, who plays hard and with intensity and a high level athlete. He’s the anti-McNair type.
If you’re looking for a top end defender – if Cody Williams is gone, you go for Virginia Soph Ryan Dunn (who’s projected 25-40). I hope he drops to #45 but I strongly doubt it.
And has been mentioned – is that an upgrade from Kessler Edwards?
I am looking forward to more discussion on these boards before the fast approaching fist round, now just one week away.
The mocks are mostly all over the place. I have seen Ron Holland, Kel’el Ware, Devin Carter, Terrance Shannon, Jr., Rob Dillingham, Zach Edey, Dalton Knecht, Jared McCain, Ja’Kobe Walter, Bub Carrington all given the #13 spot for Sacramento.
Speaking of Rob Dillingham – he is all over the place. If we stick to the Kemba Walker comparison (I’ve also seen Lou Williams, Brandon Jennings comps), one draft has him at #24.
It would absolutely be No Suprise if the draft order shuffled and players projected to go in the top half of the lottery drop… (like Dillingham, who I believe is a likely dropper due to his diminutive size and supposed poor defense). If to #13, should the Kings grab him (assuming they place him on a higher tier)? And if one prospect (or many) drop – that means someone (or more) are rising.
Anyone want to share their interpretation of the latest buzz?
Ryan Dunn does look legit, like all-nba defensive team legit. Just don’t count on him for scoring.
One of my dream scenarios is the Kings trading the #13 for the Knicks #24 and #25. Monte then picks Dunn and Holmes. Elite wing defender and a 3 and D big to play next to Sabonis. Done and done.
All drafts are different, but I am trying to give a guess on which recent draft this most resembles. It’s a fool’s errand of course – we can’t judge the draft for a good three seasons or more (5, 6, …)
I think of the 2016 draft most, but start at the 5th spot (Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram and Jaylen Brown went 1,2,3, Domas at #11! <- there’s eleven again). Or perhaps the 2015 draft minus the consensus #1 pick (who was Karl Anthony-Towns). (Side Note: did you realize that D’Angelo Russell made an All-Star team (2019)?)
I am trying to find a draft of only/mostly starter/role player talent at the onset. Every draft has All-Stars mostly not predicted to be such. It’s always humbling to see how the players were picked and where their careers have taken them.
By the by – #13 salary is $12M/3 years. #24 and #25 are close and around $6.5M-$6.7M/3 years. Thus, #13 salary mostly equivalent to #24 plus #25 combined salaries. I have a feeling Knicks GM Leon Rose knows this, as does Atlanta GM Landry Fields with $32M/3 years for the #1 pick (and you’re not drafting Wemby).
ok, done rambling…
2013? Only 2 all-stars in that draft. Giannis and Gobert. No all-stars taken in the lottery. McCollum is the closest, taken at #10
2013 is probably the answer. Another draft with no clear #1, but some surprising studs later in the draft. Which, the Kangz of course missed on.
The Alex Oriakhi draft!
do that in a minute
this is a great trade. Gets length and gets rid of the tension to get a 3 and D free agent. and gets superior defense.
I wonder who NYK would covet at #13.? or would they just draft 2 centers in their slots
Dunn is worse than Holland offensively.
Dunn may be worse than Thybulle
the best defender/worse scorer you’ve ever seen?
Andre Roberson?
Matisse Thybulle?
Dennis Rodman?
I’m warming up to Ware at 13. If he can develop that shot he’d be a great fit next to Domas. I like the potential Brook Lopez comp for him.
Dillingham dropping as is Holland. Carter rising as is Carington. At #13, the scariest for the Kings are Carter, Dillingham and Holland. But somebody will love each of them. and if two teams love them, “bidding war”. Maybe the NYK, the Wizards, or someone who wants to move up for Edey (NOP). Some depends on the reading they get from Monk. I hope klank signs with Orlando. I don’t think SAS want Monk and I don’t think he wants Detroit (no coach)
Many “draft experts” have mocked Carter to the Kings and say he is a solid fit for them, especially if Monk leaves. He would more likely be the guy to replace Davion as he has not lived up to expectations.
Dillingham is one that I would avoid. Dude is tiny.
Holland would be fine with me. They need some wing help and I think he could help.
he might fall. the front office has to know in advance whether they’d take him or not over the other prospects.
After watching some videos and listening to discussion about Holland, if he is there at #13 the Kings should draft him.
He was 18 playing against G-League players (many of whom played in the NBA, Europe, and were grown men) and defended really well.
Offensively he was put in to a role that I don’t think suited him well. His usage was 28%, and that will not be a thing with the Kings. I think the shot will improve over the next couple seasons. Meanwhile, simply use him as a cutter and driver until he can consistently improve the shot.
The Kings need an infusion of talent, and he has the upside to be a good two-way contributor. Cheaper project guy as the Kings salary increases the next few seasons.
X/Twitter is ablaze that Malik Monk’s posts are strongly suggestive that he will
sign with Houston.
Might all be smoke. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
How so? I don’t have an X account.
various and sundry interpretations of his tweets/posts from yesterday. Again, as we are talking X/Twitter – it could also be a plot to overthrow the secret planned Utopia Elon Musk is projecting for Mars.
He made a post of himself standing against a pillar reading “I’m about to blow up like a rocket,” or something like that.
I didn’t read anything into it, aside from his excitement about upcoming free agency.
Houston doesn’t have the cap space to sign him.
I mixed up the columns…they are 24.9m under the tax, and I read that as cap space. -5.3m in cap space, they would need shed ~$30 million to sign Malik. They could trade Adams and Londale, and not pick up Jeff Green’s option. That would be nearly $30m…And they have the #3 pick to use as sweetener in any deals. (does all that math check out in the CBA?)
Possible, but not likely.
He can make more money elsewhere. Pretty simple equation. I’d be more surprised if he resigned.
I think it is more than just $.
If Detroit offers $4M or so more a season, I don’t think he goes to Detroit. He has had the Charlotte experience, and I believe he would stick to his known role and teammates and playoff aspirations in Sacramento.
Holland has slipped a bit in mock, but you pretty much have to take him at thirteen if he’s there. He and Keegan can slide between SF and PF depending on matchups, and his 73% free throw percentage and shooting form suggest that he’ll be able to stretch the floor when need be.
If he’s not there, I want DaRon Holmes.
I read that Holmes has cancelled quite a few workouts with teams because he has a promise from someone in the first round. He was also recently added to the green room invitees.
A promise from a team with a lower pick than Sacramento, hopefully. There are just so many things that he does well that make him such an easy fit next to Sabonis, and can easily play at the five when needed.
the promise is Denver at 28 I heard. Makes sense for Denver.
Yeah, Holmes would be a steal for Denver that deep into the draft, and a good fit for most of the same reasons he would be in Sacramento.
I’m hoping we take Holmes or Ware. Throw darts at players that fit next to DS.
If there’s a 6’6″+ wing available at thirteen, that would be a tough decision for me. Holmes at the four lets Keegan play SF, and that’s your 3&D wing right there.
Ooh, here is a fun but probably not totally accurate comp:
Oops, just saw it elsewhere in the thread – my bad.
Thing is – he was drafted #25 2001 and for his 3 years with Rick Adelman’s Kings, he was 12, 8, 9 min per game, and many times not getting into games.
The expansion draft happened and unprotected – he was transferred to Charlotte. In his first season there, he averaged 30 min his first season and then averaged 39 min per game for his Charlotte career thereafter (and had an All-Star game and All-Defense 1st Team in 2010).
Will Mike Brown play Ron Holland much as Rick Adelman played Crash Wallace? Will it take 4 seasons of seasoning for Ron Holland to become a starter (and possibly later on, an All-Star)?
That doesn’t much fit this team’s current agenda/style.
But yes – he has to me, and I don’t know spit from shinola- that Gerald Wallace vibe.
P.S. special condolences to sports fans everywhere, but particularly Giants fans, on the passing of the great Willie Mays. R.I.P.
Man I miss that old logo from the glory years. They need to being it back.
The shot doesn’t look broken…it just doesn’t go in lol. I wouldn’t mind Holland as a backup defensive wing to take Kessler and Sasha’s minutes or help offensive bench output (with others) if Monk were to leave.
However; if we’re looking for more production early (and not development) – the Kings should look elsewhere.
my dream scenario- and now I am sounding like Jack repeating and repeating…………….use #13 in trade with Washington for Kuzma and get #26 back and use that for Holmes.
Wow Caruso traded to the Thunder for Josh Giddey. Makes sense for both sides.
Especially OKC!
Darn it! That Socks!
Well, that puts the Zach Lavine trade idea in a whole different light, doesn’t it.
Can they sign & trade Williams as part of a deal?
I don’t think Williams can be traded with another player as he would be a sign & trade.
Maybe I’d still consider Lavine if they add draft compensation
Money wise it would be Huerter and Barnes, along with salary combinations of Davion, Lyles, Sasha, Duarte…or something similar. A pick would need to come to Sac for sure.
IMO, Alex Caruso is an odd choice to off load.
Everyone knows that Zach Lavine, while talented, is an offense boon, oft injured and $45M/season x 3.
Josh Giddey is $19.5M/2 years and while talented, is an offense geared player who saw little playing time this playoffs. He had a sort of Kevin Huerter on Sacramento run during the post season.
Alex Caruso is a balancing player. All-Defense 1st Team 2023, 2nd Team 2024. Has some offense, but doesn’t look to score but shot 40.8% 3FG and averaged 10ppg/3.8rpg/3.5 apg. He’s up for a Malik Monk-ish extension $78M/4 years but can’t sign that until Jan 2025, I believe.
What can the Bulls offer to off load Lavine? Lonzo Ball? (I kid).
With all of those picks that OKC has, and Chicago doing a one for one- it’s a head scratcher to me.
OKC got better, Bulls got younger, have more cap space- and that’s it. Not better.
Yup, and the only reason there would be a S&T is to provide CHI with compensation to not match any offer agreed to with PW (as he’s a RFA).
Dort, Caruso, Cason Wallace on the perimeter, with Chet blocking shots. That will be tough.
What if they sign Monk and Achiuwa, and draft Holland?
Would that be a good offseason? Sign me up!
Or conversely, if they lose Monk, the best case scenario may look more like adding Lavine, for Barnes/Heurter and about $8 mil. in salary, the #13 and not much cap-space to do more. I don’t see a world where the Kings start next season with a better roster w/o Malik.
Have to keep Monk.
At this point, Bulls have to run a fire sale on LaVine. Unless you are way under the cap, he is just too expensive. and the under the cap teams probably don’t want him. If you are in that situation, why would you want him? I don’t like Kuzma but he costs half as much as LaVine.
the other options for the Kings- like Bridges and Markenon are way too expensive, Grant is not worth it and NOP seem to think BI will bring back a bank. They seriously thought Houston would trade them Sengun for BI.
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