Detroit Pistons and the Cade Cunningham Discussion
In 2021 during the NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons selected Cade Cunningham with the first overall selection. Now, it’s time to have a Cade Cunningham discussion, two years in, and see how he fits into the Pistons’ overall picture, which needs some major help.
There was a lot of excitement around that pick, and rightly so. Cunningham was near flawless at Oklahoma State with his ability to score, pass and hustle on the court. He was widely expected to be the No. 1 draft selection, and the Pistons were lucky to get him.
The Cade Cunningham Discussion
So, let’s get into the Cade Cunningham discussion. Of course, the major problem Cunningham has delt with the past two years is injuries. Nearly the entire Pistons team has had injuries, and that’s partly why their record is so weak. Cunningham played 64 games his inaugural season with the Pistons and only 12 games last season. This season, he was able to come back after the season started, but he’s currently dealing with a left knee injury and not in top form.
Cunningham is the strongest player on the Pistons’ squad, but it’s disconcerting that he hasn’t been able to play more games as a healthy player. Some are even speculating that the Pistons and Cunningham will part ways during the offseason. I personally think that would be a horrific move. Why keep a talented player through the years that he’s injured just to get him healthy gain for another team?
The answer is to build a team around Cunningham. Don’t make the mistake the Detroit Lions did with Barry Sanders. Step one: Get Cunningham healthy during the offseason. Step two: Build a team around this promising player. Troy Weaver needs to bring in players to compliment Cunningham. I have to believe that giving Cunningham the right mix of players will make all the difference.
A shining example is Jalen Green, who was drafted the same year as Cunningham to Houston. Green is looking great these days, but it’s because he has a strong team behind him. In fact, Cunningham’s numbers are better than Green’s, although Houston has a much better record than Detroit.
This season, Cunningham is currently averaging 22.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game, as of this article. He also has made franchise history a few times this season, especially on March 11 against the Charlotte Hornets. During that game, he hit 1,200 points and 400 assists on the season. He hit that mark in 54 games, which gave Cunningham a new Pistons record for the fastest to reach those numbers in a season. Before, Isaiah Thomas held that record.
So, I implore you to stick with the Detroit Pistons. Stick with Monty Williams. Stick with Cade Cunningham. It can, and hopefully will, turn around.
5 NBA Teams to Watch Right Now
5. Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers are solid this year, but they aren’t one of the best of the best. That said, there’s lots of potential here. Watch these guys closely. It’s so fun to watch Tyrese Maxey, who is a total superstar. He’s been averaging an upwards of 28 points per game lately.
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves had a big loss to the Bucks following the break, but then, they came back and definitively beat the Nets. The Wolves have been experiencing a few offensive hiccups, but they’re still one of the strongest teams in the league.
(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder crew is on fire. Coming back from break, they totally blew out the Clippers, Wizards and Rockets. Chet Holmgren is a star here, averaging around 24 points a game.
(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
2. Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are another team that came out of break with fire. These guys have been on a winning streak since the break ended. Nikola Jokic has been especially strong since break, averaging around 27 points per game.
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
1. Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are really the strongest team in the NBA right now. They’re on a winning streak, which is nothing new for them. They have not one but a group of star players in Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Derrick White. It’s hard to see any team topping them.
(Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
