The dark days for the Detroit Pistons are not yet over.
They haven’t won a playoff series since the 2007-08 season and only had one winning season over the past 13 years.
They’ve made the playoffs three times during that stretch but failed to win a single game.
It’s not a good time for a franchise that once made six straight Eastern Conference Championships in the 2000s.
Cade Cunningham has at least 3 3FGM for the 4th-straight game, tying teammate Saddiq Bey’s franchise rookie record from a year ago for most consecutive games with at least 3 3FGM. Cunningham has the longest such streak for any NBA rookie this season. #Pistons
(via @bball_ref)
— Pistons PR (@Pistons_PR) December 7, 2021
Before that successful run, the Pistons also won consecutive NBA titles in 1989 and 1990.
The team and its loyal fans are hoping to rediscover their glory days.
That’s why they’re putting so much hope on first overall selection Cade Cunningham from Oklahoma State.
But is he turning out to be the player the Pistons are hoping for?
Can’t-Miss Prospect
It was a no-brainer for the Pistons to make Cunningham only the fourth number one draft pick in franchise history.
The Texas native needed only one year to prove that he was ready for the pros.
He made the most of his only collegiate season, averaging 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.
Cade in his last three games ⬇️
20.0 PPG
6.7 RPG
2.7 APG
54.5 FG%
52.4 3PTMy guy starting to HEAT UP 🔥@CadeCunningham_ (📸: @DetroitPistons) pic.twitter.com/KevMkgo51e
— Overtime (@overtime) December 4, 2021
Unfortunately, the Cowboys lost the Big 12 Championship to Texas and lasted only until the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
However, Cunningham clinched every conceivable individual award at the season’s end.
He became a Consensus First-Team All-American and Big 12 Player of the Year.
Cade has tied his career high with 26…@DetroitPistons up 3 with 4:30 left on @NBATV! pic.twitter.com/lYZJlduoHB
— NBA (@NBA) December 7, 2021
He was also Freshman of the Year by the United States Basketball Writers Association, the National Association of Basketball Coaches, the Big 12, and Sporting News.
Cunningham was also part of the Big 12’s First-Team and All-Newcomer Team.
In one year, he achieved so much that NBA teams tagged him as a can’t-miss prospect.
Add the gold medal from the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup to his collection, and there was no other path for him but the pros.
Getting The Feel Of The Pro Game
It took a while before Cunningham could play an official professional basketball game.
The Pistons decided to rest him after suffering a sprained ankle during training camp.
While he was on the path to recovery, players like Jalen Green, Evan Mobley, Josh Giddey, and Scottie Barnes became the torchbearers for the 2021 draft class.
After finishing with only six points, two rebounds, and three assists in his debut versus the Milwaukee Bucks, the status quo remained.
Cade is doing Cade things💪🏻 #Pistons pic.twitter.com/WZ4sVVT0dy
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) December 7, 2021
However, Cunningham took his game to another level by scoring double-digits in 11 of his next 14 games.
He had four 20-point games during that stretch, the best of which was his performance against the Portland Trail Blazers, wherein he had 26 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks.
The rookie also paced the Pistons against the Sacramento Kings on November 15 with 25 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, and two steals.
Cunningham also has three double-double games and fills up the stat sheet every game.
Cade making history for the Pistons 🔥 pic.twitter.com/GXZpd19YpD
— NBA TV (@NBATV) December 7, 2021
That said, the Pistons made the right choice in drafting him because he’s proving that the hype is real.
They’ve got a leader that will steer them to becoming a contender once again, and his game will only improve from here.
However, Detroit needs to build their roster around him to win consistently.
It would be hard for one man, even for a talented player like Cunningham, to solely carry the team back to the playoffs.
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