Cunningham Potential: Igniting Detroit Pistons’ Hope for Success.

Monday night against the Memphis Grizzlies, Cade Cunningham had the chance to play hero for the Detroit Pistons. With nine seconds to go, James Wiseman rebounded the ball and got it to Cade Cunningham; Cunningham worked his way into a 12-foot jumper, which he missed, and the Pistons lost the game. With seven games left in the 23-24 NBA season, The Pistons have a record of 13-62. The Pistons will become the worst team in franchise history with five more losses.

This unfortunate sequence hasn’t dampened a stellar year for Cade Cunningham. He is on pace to play the most games in his career (69) and is on track to be the first Piston since Brandon Jennings (2013-14) to not only average over seven assists per game (7.5) but also rank in the top 10 league-wide in assists per game (8th). His achievements are a testament to his potential and have undoubtedly excited the Pistons faithful. Cunningham averages 22.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists on 45/35/87% shooting. This week, We are discussing Cade Cunningham and his future in Detroit with pride and anticipation.

Is Cunningham The Problem In Detroit?

In Cade Cunningham’s three seasons in Detroit, He’s played in 138 games. He averages 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.5 assists on 43/33/85% shooting. In those 138 games, The Pistons are 32-105 with Cade in the lineup, which includes a record of 9-53 this season. In the 101 games Cade has missed, the Pistons are 20-81, including a 4-9 record this season. No matter how you want to slice it, The Pistons are not good, whether he’s on the floor or off the floor.

In the 62 games that Cunningham has played this season, The Piston’s point differential is -579 (-9.3 difference), while their point differential with him off-the-floor in the 13 games is -82 (-6.3 difference). The Pistons also score the ball more, with Cade not playing compared to Cade playing (114 to 109). The Pistons also turn the ball over more with Cade on the floor than when he’s not on the floor (15.3 to 12.4 turnovers). These numbers aren’t enough to throw salt on Cade’s talent. If anything, these numbers should light a fire under Cunningham to show that he is the franchise player who will return the Pistons to respectability.

Cunningham Is A Star In The Making.

If you need assurance that Cade is your franchise building block, Look at his last three games. Cunningham has averaged 33.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.6 steals on 47/47/90% shooting in the previous three games. The 2.6 turnovers concern you, but when you have the ball in your hands most of the time, especially in crunch time, Mistakes will be made.

This season, Cunningham has had two games of over 40 points, sixteen games of 30 points or more, and 24 games of 20 or more points. Cunningham has sixteen games of 10 or more assists and 39 games of 5 or more. He ranks 5th in assists percentage (37.5), 11th in usage percent at (30.7), and 20th in two-point field-goal attempts (832). Cunningham takes a lot of shots, but he also misses a lot of shots. His 643 shots missed ranks him 16th in the league.

Can Cunningham Become What Gilgeous-Alexander Has Become In OKC?

When I watch Cade play, I see him as what Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Both guys excel in the mid-range and are solid rebounders and exceptional playmakers. For Cade to take the next step, He has to become the defender that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is. Shai’s 148 steals and 2.1 steals per game are number one in the NBA. In addition to being a pest defensively, He ranks second in free-throw attempts (610) and first in makes (532).

The primary thing I want to see Cade do that Shai has done is instill confidence in his players. When you look at a player, Luguentz Dort, You would probably say this guy wouldn’t be at the level of player he is if it wasn’t for a guy like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander instilling that confidence in him. Cade has the potential to do the same thing; It’s just a matter of whether he can bring out the true potential in guys like Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, and Ausar Thompson.

The Conclusion…

Cade is going to be a superstar in Detroit. You can look at some of his mistakes and injury history and rightfully have questions about him. With this Pistons team going through another transitional period of developing the younger guys, Let Cade continue to showcase his talents. Remember, He missed 70 games last season, which took a substantial piece of his on-court development. He has a template of what went well for him and what didn’t. If he can continually improve on those things, it will be a good look for a team that hasn’t had a bonafide superstar since Grant Hill… Maybe Ben Wallace? No matter what, Let Cade develop into that franchise player.