Since entering the NBA from Oklahoma State, Cade Cunningham has steadily become a standout young talent, especially with the Detroit Pistons. While his early seasons faced skepticism due to injuries and team struggles, last season marked a turning point where Cunningham earned recognition for his versatile skillset and on-court leadership.
Veteran NBA players have taken note of Cunningham’s unusual combination of size and skill, highlighting how it influences opponents’ defensive strategies and adds a new dynamic to the Pistons’ offense.
How Cunningham’s Size and Skill Set Him Apart
Standing six-foot-nine and playing as a point guard, Cunningham’s height gives him a significant advantage over typical players at his position. Boston Celtics forward Georges Niang emphasized,
“I think it’s his ability to get to his spots. You never realize how tall—the size of someone—he’s six-foot-nine and playing the point guard spot.”
This rare blend of length and ball-handling makes Cunningham a difficult matchup on the court.
Adding to this unique profile, veteran guard CJ McCollum elaborated on Cunningham’s offensive tools and poise:
“He’s got great pace. He’s got great feet. He’s got a great middy. I think the poise that he has in pick and rolls, the ability to back down smaller guys in transition like that, I think those things have gotten better.”
McCollum further described Cunningham as
“a menace in pick-and-rolls, a menace in isolation, he’s got a mid-post game,”
emphasizing how his offensive versatility challenges defenses in multiple ways.
Veterans Recognize Cunningham’s Scalable Game and Potential
Cameron Johnson underscored what made Cunningham a consensus No. 1 pick in his draft class:
“Feel and control is what it is. His game is scalable. When he came into the league, he had a skillset that you could see where the progression would lead to. This is that.”
Johnson’s remarks highlight that Cunningham’s development reflects the high expectations placed on him before entering the NBA.
Despite missing significant time early in his career due to injury—17 points, six rebounds, and six assists per game during his rookie year in just 64 appearances—Cunningham’s progression has been steady. His second season was interrupted again after 12 games, but the third season with the Pistons showed marked improvement both individually and for the team.
Breakthrough Season Leads to Playoff Success
The Detroit Pistons’ disappointing 14-68 record in Cunningham’s third year overshadowed his individual contributions. However, last season told a different story, as Cunningham elevated his performance amid a rejuvenated Pistons squad that qualified for the playoffs.
In the postseason, Cunningham averaged 26 points per game on 47 percent shooting, along with nine assists and six rebounds per outing, showcasing his growth on a bigger stage. His six-game series against the New York Knicks produced near triple-double averages of 25 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds. This playoff experience, coupled with his All-Star selection, has firmly established Cunningham as a key figure in Detroit’s future.
With newfound respect around the league, Cunningham and the Pistons are no longer overlooked, and opponents are preparing intensively for the challenges he brings to their defenses.
Team Developments Shape Pistons’ Future Prospects
While Cunningham’s rise draws attention, the Detroit Pistons have also been active in reshaping their roster through free agency and trades. Recent announcements involving Duncan Robinson’s contract and Caris LeVert’s addition reflect the team’s commitment to building around their young star.
Questions remain about decisions such as the fate of Paul Reed, but Detroit’s front office appears focused on complementing Cunningham’s unique talents with supporting players who can elevate the team’s competitiveness in the coming seasons.
Looking Ahead: Cunningham’s Role in Detroit’s Rebuilding Efforts
Cade Cunningham’s blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ is redefining the point guard role within the Pistons’ offense, offering hope and excitement for fans who have witnessed the team’s challenges in recent years. As Cunningham continues to add dimensions to his game, his ongoing development will likely be a central factor in Detroit’s push back into playoff contention.
With veteran recognition validating his talent and a evolving roster designed to maximize his impact, Cunningham is positioned not only to succeed individually but also to drive a new era of competitiveness for the Detroit Pistons.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Cade Cunningham still vegan?
A. In 2019, Cunningham briefly stopped being vegan to eat McDonald’s while in Greece for the FIBA World Cup with Team USA. Shortly after, the basketball player decided to return to veganism and has continued with it since then.