Detroit Pistons: How Cade Cunningham will help Isaiah Stewart
The Detroit Pistons are likely to add Cade Cunningham to their roster next week, which should be great for center Isaiah Stewart.
Stewart had a surprising season after being drafting 16th and making the All-Rookie team while leading all rookies in blocks and field goal percentage.
Stewart also showcased an improving jump shot, which should raise the ceiling of what he can be, as most people thought he would mostly just be a defensive specialist who ran the floor and not a guy who could knock down 3-point shots.
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Beef Stew did all of this without the benefit of much of an offseason or having a real point guard for much of it, as Killian Hayes was injured and the guys they had filling in were not prototypical point guards or great passers.
Adding a guy like Cade Cunningham will make the Detroit Pistons better overall, and we wrote about how he will benefit Sekou Doumbouya, but Cade’s addition will have some specific positive benefits for Isaiah Stewart as well.
Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham will help Isaiah Stewart thrive on defense
Cade Cunningham has shown superstar potential on both sides of the ball, but let’s start with how he’ll help defensively.
Isaiah Stewart was the best rookie defender last season, partially because of his ability to play all over the court and switch onto small players on the perimeter.
This is one of the most important skills for a center in the modern NBA, as all teams run some version of the pick-and-roll and try to take advantage of mismatches on the perimeter.
Cade Cunningham should be able to defend more area on the perimeter, which should allow Stewart a bit more freedom off the ball, leading to more blocked shots.
Although Stewart is very good at switching onto smaller players, it is still not an ideal situation, so having a guy who can better defend his position should allow Stewart to stay at home in the paint, which is where he thrives defensively.
Cade Cunningham will make Isaiah Stewart a better defender but I think the most exciting possibilities are on offense.