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Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham’s immediate impact for the Pistons next season

By Thomas Chavez

Cade Cunningham #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys reacts against the Oregon State Beavers during the second half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Cade Cunningham #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys reacts against the Oregon State Beavers during the second half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Pistons
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – MARCH 11: Miles McBride #4 of the West Virginia Mountaineers and Cade Cunningham #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys  (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham is no slouch on defense

While his defensive prowess is not as awe-inducing as his offensive abilities, Cunningham has the build and hustle required to be a good defensive player in the NBA.

The 19-year-old ranked sixth in the Big-12 in steals with 1.6 steals per game. He finished his lone season at Oklahoma State with a defensive rating of 97 and 1.7 defensive win shares.

Standing at 6-8, 220 pounds with a 7-0 wingspan, the point guard has the size to be disruptive on the defensive end of the court. His size and strength will allow the 19-year-old to defend multiple positions in the league. He could potentially hold his own in the post as well. His wingspan will allow him to disrupt passing lanes and challenge shots with ease.

Related Story. How Cade Cunningham fits with Killian Hayes. light

Cunningham does need to improve his lateral quickness on the defensive end of the court. As he stands, the 19-year-old could struggle against the league’s quicker guards as he does not yet possess the quick-twitch defensive footwork to keep up with guards who utilize bursts of speed and shifty ball-handling to get by their opponents.

These potential struggles will improve with time and experience as Cunningham adapts to the speed and physicality of the NBA.

Detroit ranked 10th in opponents’ points per game and 16th in defensive rating last season. Cunningham’s presence on the defensive end of the court will improve Detroit’s already solid defense. As Cunningham, Stewart, and Detroit’s other young defensive playmakers continue to develop, the Pistons could become one of the league’s top defensive teams in the coming years.

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