Detroit Pistons announce 2024 NBA Summer League roster

The Detroit Pistons announced their roster for the 2024 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, which kicks off Friday July 12. Detroit’s first game is July 13 at 7 p.m. ET against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Ron Holland II, the no. 5 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, headlines the Pistons’ Summer League roster along with second-round pick Bobi Klintman and second-year guard Marcus Sasser. Last year’s fifth overall pick Ausar Thompson is not included on the roster, which was first reported by James L. Edwards III of The Athletic. Edwards noted he gets the sense that Detroit is playing it safe with Thompson after his season ended early when diagnosed with a blood clot.

Jarrett Jack, who served as an assistant coach on Monty Williams’ coaching staff last season, will serve as the head coach for the Pistons’ Summer league team, which signifies he is likely staying on board under new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.

Daniss Jenkins, who signed a two-way contract with the Pistons as an undrafted free agent, is also on the Summer League team. The 6-foot-4 guard led St. Johns last season with 14.9 points, 5.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game, which were all team-highs. Undrafted free agents Aaron Estrada (Alabama) and Tolu Smith (Mississippi State) appear on the Pistons’ Summer League roster, too.

A few players who played in the G League with the Motor City Cruise last season will spend time with the Pistons in Vegas, which includes Devon Higgs, Jayce Johnson and Sam Peek.

All eyes will be on Holland as he hits the floor in Pistons colors for the first time. The 6-foot-8 wing spent his pre-draft year with the G League Ignite, which didn’t let him or other Ignite prospects thrive due to suboptimal roster construction. Over the full G League season, including both the Showcase Cup and regular season games, Holland averaged 19.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 3.1 stocks (steals plus blocks) per game, while shooting 46% from the field and 24% from three.

The 3-point shot is likely Holland’s long-term swing skill. He doesn’t need to shoot the lights out in Vegas, as it’s too soon to show any real improvement and Summer League isn’t exactly the be-all and end-all for projecting NBA talent. Nevertheless, Holland has an opportunity to show Pistons fans why they should be excited about his future. Plus, Holland can help his new coaching staff understand how he may fit into the rotation out of the gate.