The Pistons are facing a crucial year for Ron Holland II, and can't help but wonder how things would've turned out differently if they drafted Matas Buzelis instead. Buzelis fell to the Bulls with the 7th pick in the 2024 Draft, while the Pistons took Holland at 5. So far in their NBA careers, Buzelis has definitely outperformed Holland, especially on the offensive end.
Buzelis would've been the pefect draft pick for the Pistons
The most important difference between Buzelis and Holland is the two-way potential that Buzelis has already shown. Last season, he saw a huge leap in his offensive production to average 16 points per game while shooting 46% from the field and 35% from three (on 6.4 attempts per game). Buzelis flashed his own self-creation ability while also playing well off Josh Giddey's playmaking.
Buzelis' two-way impact is best shown by his 3-point shooting and shot-blocking numbers. He's already on a very select list of players to hit 150 threes and block 100 shots in a single season with only 5 other players since 2000. His long wingspan and rim protection ability make Buzelis a perfect fit at the power forward spot, which has been a position of need for the Pistons in recent seasons.
Most importantly, Buzelis' potential as a scorer would give the Pistons more confidence in their core's long-term potential to compete for a title. Perhaps they would've been willing to pull the trigger on a big trade this season if they had Buzelis as a future second or third option next to Cade Cunningham.
Next season will make Buzelis look even better
Even with all that said, Buzelis has been stuck in an odd spot with the Bulls during his first two seasons. The team was in the process of converting to a proper rebuild while sending out some lagging pieces from their most recent mid-tier team. But now they have established their future direction with Buzelis and incoming rookie Caleb Wilson, who turned heads with his Summer League performance.
Going forward, Buzelis should be fully featured as a long-term second option next to Wilson. Pistons fans will only be able to watch in envy as Buzelis fulfills the role he could've had in Detroit. Holland doesn't ever figure to reach that level, and it's up in the air whether or not he can even earn a starting spot with the Pistons.
The Pistons definitely haven't made as many draft mistakes since choosing Cade Cunningham first overall in 2021, but passing on Buzelis could be their most consequential recent one. Even though Holland has shown more defensive talent than Buzelis so far, his lack of offensive skill has held him back. Buzelis has the perfect missing skill set that the Pistons need to maintain their identity and unlock another level.
