Second-rounder Bobi Klintman shows passing skills in Detroit Pistons' Summer League loss

LAS VEGAS — In their first Summer League game of 2024, the Detroit Pistons fell to the Philadelphia 76ers, 94-81. First-round pick (No. 5 overall) Ron Holland finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal, and second-rounder (at No. 37) Bobi Klintman added 13 points, five rebounds and five assists. Mississippi State big man Tosu Smith added a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Next up, the Pistons (0-1) will face the Houston Rockets at 6:30 p.m. Monday (NBA TV) in the second of four prescheduled games.

Here's what stood out on Saturday at Thomas & Mack Center.

Bobi Klintman shows off passing, shooting 

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The Swedish forward was the Pistons’ best player. He not only showed off the shooting that made him an appealing target, but passing ability as well. His 13 points and five assists led the team, and he looked like a natural in making plays for his teammates. 

His most impressive pass might’ve been a touch pass to Smith, who cut to the rim and was rewarded with an easy bucket. After opening the second-half with back-to-back 3-pointers, Klintman later found Aaron Estrada for a corner 3-pointer that capped a 12-2 run to tie the game at 61. 

As a 6-foot-9 wing, Klintman’s path to the Little Caesars Arena floor next season is straight-forward — he needs to defend and knock down shots. He did both on Saturday, but his passing teased more upside than the 21-year-old has been credited for so far. 

Ron Holland does a little of everything in debut

Holland was a stat-sheet stuffer during his lone season with the G League Ignite. He wasn’t efficient on Saturday, either, but otherwise showed the effort and athletic pop you’d want to see. He got on the board early, scoring four of the Pistons’ initial seven points on a floater and coast-to-coast driving layup. 

Holland had at least one mark in virtually every statistical category by halftime — eight points, four rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block. It was a rough scoring outing, though, as he finished 5-for-15 from the floor. The officials allowed the Sixers to defend him with physicality, and he was stripped on multiple drives to the rim. He did get to the line three times, however, to make five of six free throws.

There’s development ahead for the 19-year-old, like any teenager. Holland won’t have as easy a time driving through defenders in the NBA as he did in the G League, and he has strides to make as a passer and ball-handler as well. 

Saturday’s game had limited transition opportunities, and he didn’t take many jumpers. With at least four games remaining in Vegas, he’ll have more chances to showcase the role he can play offensively. 

Sasser struggles in return

The second-year guard finished 0-for-6 overall and 0-for-4 from 3, but tallied four assists and a pair of steals. It was a disappointing first game for the 23-year-old, who shot 37.5% from 3 as a rookie and is gunning for minutes as the Pistons’ backup point guard. 

One poor Summer League performance is hardly a reason for panic — Sasser scored 40 points in his final game in Vegas last year, as a point of comparison. He’ll look to bounce back on Monday.

Contact Omari Sankofa II at osankofa@freepress.com. Follow him @omarisankofa.