Two years into his basketball career, Cade Cunningham has shown flashes of superstar potential. After all, the Detroit Pistons selected him with the first pick in the 2021 NBA Draft for a reason.
Cunningham’s teammate Jaden Ivey, a member of last season’s All-Rookie Second Team, made a confident prediction about the Motor City’s franchise player. In an interview with Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press, Ivey discussed the surprise Cunningham will give many fans next season and his undeniable importance to the Pistons.
“I think a lot of people are going to be shocked,” Ivey told Sankofa. “He’s gonna have a special season for us. We’re kind of riding his coattail, just trying to feed off him. He gives us a certain energy that we need to get this team going… From day one [when] he got drafted, he brought that for us, so we will continue to learn from him and feed off of him.”
Ivey’s sentiments surrounding Cunningham speak volumes about the trust Detroit’s young roster has in its franchise player. Ivey could turn some heads next season himself, having averaged 16.3 points and 5.2 assists as a rookie.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jaden Ivey, Cade Cunningham & Detroit Pistons Updates
Cunningham’s last taste of NBA action came against the Boston Celtics in a regular-season loss in November 2022. 12 games into his sophomore season, the promising combo guard sustained a left tibial stress fracture, which led to season-ending surgery. Cunningham’s injury also brought Detroit’s season to a metaphorical end.
Through 76 career contests, Cunningham has averaged 17.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on 41.6% shooting from the field and 30.9% shooting from three. However, the 6-foot-6 talent started last season with per-game averages of 19.9 points, 6.2 boards, and 6.0 dimes.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jaden Ivey, Cade Cunningham & Detroit Pistons Updates
While Cunningham has room to grow as a shooter, he has plenty of time on his side. Considering he will begin the 2023-24 campaign at just 22 years old, Detroit’s poster boy should see his efficiency improve sooner rather than later.
Cunningham has fully recovered from his shin surgery and will be ready to go this October. Offseason additions of Joe Harris and Monte Morris won’t exactly move the needle for Detroit, but a healthy Cunningham entering his third season just might.
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