Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham has gained recognition in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA for scoring more than 20 points per game while drawing relatively few free throw attempts, a rarity for players at his level. Despite his scoring ability, Cunningham has not frequently reached the free-throw line, placing him among an elite group of players with the lowest free throw attempts while maintaining a high scoring average.
This distinction was highlighted by StatMuse, which listed Cunningham second among players averaging over 20 points per game with the fewest free throw attempts per contest, just behind Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball.
Free Throw Attempt Rankings for High Scorers
According to the data, LaMelo Ball leads the list with 3.7 free throw attempts per game, followed by Cade Cunningham at 4.1 attempts. Other notable players tied with 4.3 attempts per game include Alex English, Steph Curry, Kyrie Irving, Zach LaVine, and Bradley Beal. This group represents some of the most efficient scorers in NBA history who do not rely heavily on free throws to boost their point totals.
“Fewest free throw attempts per game by a player with 20+ PPG all-time:3.7 — LaMelo Ball4.1 — Cade Cunningham4.3 — Alex English 4.3 — Steph Curry4.3 — Kyrie Irving4.3 — Zach LaVine4.3 — Bradley Beal pic.twitter.com/qxO6dHztro” —StatMuse
Progression of Cade Cunningham’s Free Throw Attempts
Cunningham was the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, joining the Detroit Pistons directly from Oklahoma State. In his rookie season, he averaged 17 points per game in 64 appearances while attempting only 2.6 free throws per game on roughly 16 shots. This low number reflected his adjustment period in the league and Pistons’ playing style.
His second season was disrupted by injury, limiting him to 12 games where his free throw rate increased slightly to 3.6 attempts per game. Since then, Cunningham’s opportunities at the charity stripe have gradually risen. During the 2023-24 season, he averaged about 4.4 free throw attempts per game, and as an All-Star in the following year, he increased this to 5.3 attempts per contest, while scoring 26 points per game.
Underlying Metrics on Fouling and Shooting
Analyst site Cleaning the Glass noted that Cunningham was fouled on 10.5 percent of his field goal attempts last season, ranking him in the 71st percentile among players at his position—a 9 percent improvement from prior seasons. This suggests that while Cunningham still draws fewer fouls than many peers, his ability to get to the free throw line is improving.
Despite not consistently earning many free throws, Cunningham remains productive. Last season, he shot 47 percent from the field, averaged 26 points, and contributed six rebounds per game. His scoring ability has not been hindered by the comparatively few trips to the free throw line, underscoring his effectiveness as a primary offensive option.
Looking Ahead for Cade Cunningham and the Pistons
Improving his free throw attempt rate is likely a focus for Cunningham’s continued development, as getting to the line more often typically correlates with increased scoring and offensive efficiency. With his trajectory as an All-Star guard, expanding this aspect of his game could elevate him further among elite scorers.
For the Detroit Pistons, Cunningham’s growth as a star player is closely tied to how well he adjusts to drawing more fouls and capitalizing on free throw opportunities. His unique position alongside legendary scorers with low free throw rates yet high point averages highlights his skill set and potential impact.