Was Cade Cunningham truly deserving of being selected first overall in the 2021 NBA Draft? Recent evaluations confirm that the Detroit Pistons made the right choice by picking him. Reflecting on the 2021 draft class, Cunningham continues to hold his place as the premier player, solidifying his reputation as the No. 1 pick.
A Rising Star with Proven Achievements
At this stage in his career, it is difficult to challenge Cunningham’s standing. After the 2024-2025 NBA season, he earned an All-Star appearance and was named to an All-NBA team, accomplishments that validate his impact on the court. Despite facing challenges with the Pistons, who struggled as a team in previous years, Cunningham’s individual growth has been undeniable.
“Despite a somewhat rocky few seasons leading the league-worst Pistons, guard Cade Cunningham still maintains his status as No. 1,”
Derek Parker writes.
“In leading the Pistons to their first postseason wins in decades, Cunningham saw a personally stellar year, feeding into the theories that he needed better personnel around him to shine. He finished seventh in MVP voting, earned his first All-Star bid, and finished All-NBA, averaging over 26 points with nine assists per game.”
Detroit’s Commitment and Cunningham’s Continued Growth
Before receiving his All-Star recognition, the Pistons demonstrated strong faith in Cunningham’s potential by offering him a max contract extension last summer, reportedly worth $224 million over five years. Cunningham accepted this deal, which reflected the organization’s belief in his long-term value.
Instead of settling after securing his contract, Cunningham responded with a career-best performance. His improved health allowed him to appear in 70 games during the 2024-2025 season, the most in his NBA tenure. In comparison, he played 62 games the previous season, averaging 23 points, eight assists, and four rebounds.
Last season, Cunningham reached personal milestones by averaging 26 points and nine assists per game, performances that placed him alongside established stars like LeBron James and Nikola Jokic in triple-double conversations. Although he was not a frontrunner for MVP honors, Cunningham was considered a Top 10 candidate, signaling promise for his future.
Outperforming Draft Peers Four Years Later
Looking back at the 2021 draft class, Cunningham continues to outshine notable players such as Evan Mobley, Scottie Barnes, Alperen Sengun, and Franz Wagner. His progression culminated in his first playoff experience this past year. Despite struggling with his shooting in the series against the New York Knicks, Cunningham nearly posted a triple-double.
He averaged 25 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists during the postseason, an impressive stat line demonstrating his versatility and importance to Detroit’s ambitions. This playoff appearance was an essential milestone in Cunningham’s career, highlighting both his potential and the high expectations placed on him as a leader in Detroit.