As we strategy the midway level of the common season, Detroit Pistons Guard Cade Cunningham has been one of many largest tales within the NBA. Whereas persevering with the battle for an All-Star spot, an previous play known as for one in every of his previous takes to be reinstated.
Cunningham ended up in Detroit after the Pistons gained the 2021 draft. Since he was taken first total, there have been numerous debates about whether or not he was the perfect prospect within the class. Different notable names chosen that 12 months included Evan Mobley, Franz Wagner, Scottie Barnes and Jalen Inexperienced. Whereas Cunningham continues to play at a excessive degree, Kendrick Perkins believes it is time to finish the talk.
On Monday afternoon, Cunningham recorded 32 factors, 9 rebounds and 7 assists within the Pistons’ win over the Houston Rockets. After the efficiency, Perkins turned to X to proceed the discuss concerning the younger star. He introduced in one in every of his previous takes from the 2021 draft, saying Cunningham was the perfect perimeter-based prospect since LeBron James.
Keep in mind on draft night time I mentioned Cade Cunningham was the perfect perimeter prospect since LeBron James. I assume it is TIME to revisit this dialog.
-Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) January 20, 2025
Accidents stalled the early levels of Cunningham’s improvement within the NBA, however he managed to catch up after which some. He completed final season on a excessive notice and now seems able to take the step into star-level expertise.
This season, Cunningham has been among the finest all-around abilities within the NBA. Along with averaging a career-high 24.3 PPG and 6.5 RPG, he’s third in assists per sport with 9.3 per night time. On prime of that, Cunningham’s stepped-up play led to a drastic turnaround for the Pistons. They’d the worst file within the league final 12 months and at the moment are knocking on the door to finish their playoff drought.
When a group lands the No. 1 decide within the draft, they hope to draft a participant who generally is a franchise mainstay for a very long time. From what we have seen this season, it is apparent the Pistons have that in Cunningham.
