Why Ron Holland’s ‘blood burns’ amid doubts on 2024 NBA Draft class

Whenever this incoming NBA Draft is brought up, fans can always bet that an analyst would claim that the class is weak. Some players find this rather unfair while others have lashed back. Ron Holland joined the latter part of this group and blasted these naysayers, via Cameron Salerno of NBC Sports.

“It definitely bothers me for sure. If you put us against any other draft class, we just don’t have a standout unicorn or anyone like that, but we can all be very good role players one day. Some of us could be All-Stars, the G League Ignite standout declared.

There are still some great names in this class like Alex Sarr, Rob Dillingham, Reed Sheppard, Baylor Scheierman, Matas Buzelis, and Donovan Clingan among others. So, Ron Holland does not get why there is a lot of negative comparisons hurled towards the 2024 NBA Draft Class.

“I feel like we are just a regular draft class. When I hear we are a bad draft class, I really try not to pay attention to it. But, it burns my blood,” he concluded.

The same could be said about the 2013 class which had Anthony Bennett. But, that very same class gave fans unexpectedly good talent in Victor Oladipo, Giannis Antetokounmpo, CJ McCollum, Rudy Gobert, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Maybe it is too early to judge the 2024 NBA Draft Class.

Where might the G League Ignite standout go?

Holland has proven his ability to be a lethal scorer from the inside. However, his outside stroke is not the most reliable which may have cost the G League Ignite some games. Despite averaging 20.6 points, his horrid three-point stroke only saw the bottom of the net 24% of the time. This will make him drop significantly in the NBA Draft. But, his other skills might be suitable for a team that’s trying to find a win-now rotational piece. He notches 6.6 rebounds and drops 3.2 assists on a nightly basis. All of which helps his case to be taken earlier than expected.

Any team in need of a small forward and efficient cutter who can do a little bit of everything might acquire him. Once Matas Buzelis, the top-ranked small forward of the 2024 NBA Draft class, gets drafted, Holland might come soon after. The squads that could give him a shot are the ones that have the sixth to 15h picks.

These are the Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Philadelphia 76ers. Other teams who may have picks in the lottery might not want him due to them taking note of their needs and team fit first.