The Detroit Pistons finally got some luck in the NBA Draft Lottery and will likely use it to draft Cade Cunningham with the overall number one pick.
This is not one to overthink too much, as Cunningham is a dynamic and unique talent who has a chance to be a superstar at the next level.
Scout Mike Schmitz said this about Cunningham:
"“He’s one of the most complete prospects I’ve ever evaluated.”"
Yes, Jalen Green will likely be a great scorer and Evan Mobley might be a better “fit” with the current roster (I don’t think that is true) but you don’t pass on a 6-foot-8 point guard who can play four positions and literally do everything well.
While Cunningham is a unique talent, he does remind me of a few other players both past and present.
Here are three player comparisons for Cade Cunningham, though it should be said that no player comps are ever perfect and there are always differences.
Detroit Pistons: Player comparison #1 for Cade Cunningham- Anfernee Hardaway
Penny Hardaway was like the original incarnation of Cade Cunningham in that he was a big point guard who could pretty much do anything on a basketball court.
Hardaway was a 6-foot-7 point guard who used his size to see over smaller guys, was a dynamic playmaker, could play off the ball, score from all three levels and was a plus rebounder.
His college numbers of 22 points, 8.5 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 2.4 steals are very similar to Cunningham’s 20.2/6.2/3.5/1.6, but keep in mind these are Hardaway’s numbers from his sophomore season, as he played one more year in college than Cunningham.
Cunningham is a little bigger and should be more effective in the post and is also a much better 3-point shooter.
Hardaway had the chance to be an All-Time great but his career was derailed by injuries. Cunningham has many of the same attributes, so let’s hope he can avoid the injury bug that ruined Penny’s career.
Detroit Pistons: Player comparison #2 for Cade Cunningham- Luka Doncic
The player most often compared to Cade Cunningham is current NBA superstar Luka Doncic.
Both are huge point guards who can make plays and score from all three levels, though Doncic is currently a bit stronger and better in the post.
I think Cunningham is a better defender already, so when he puts on some additional strength, he could be far better than Doncic on that end.
They are both great finishers around the rim but Cunningham is the superior long-range shooter.
They both play with an edge, which I like, and want the ball in the big moments, which is exactly what you want out of a superstar and the leader of your team.
I don’t think it is hyperbole to say that Cunningham, like Doncic, will be a triple-double machine in the NBA, a guy who leads his team in just about every offensive category.
Detroit Pistons: Player comparison #3 for Cade Cunningham- Grant Hill
Grant Hill was probably the greatest Pistons rookie of all time and another guy whose career was harmed by consistent injuries.
Hill and Cunningham are the same size and both are guys who initiate offense from all over the floor and have a complete all-around game that includes defense.
Cunningham is a far better shooter from range than Grant Hill was, largely because the 3-point shot was not as big a part of the game back then.
Hill was a walking triple-double who could do a little bit of everything and do it well. The biggest difference is that he was three years older than Cunningham when he joined the NBA.
Neither player is lightning quick, but their games could be described as “smooth,” as they always play under control and know what they want to do with the ball.
I don’t think it is crazy to say that Cade Cunningham could be as good or better than any of these three guys, but I do see a lot of their games in his.
The Detroit Pistons are going to add Cunningham to two All-Rookies in Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart, so the future is finally bright in Detroit.