Detroit Pistons: 3 keys to Cade Cunningham winning Rookie of the Year
It comes as no surprise that Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons has opened up, as the odds-on favorite to win the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award. No surprise, as the former Oklahoma State Cowboy was the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft after all.
More importantly, Cunningham enters the league as a prospect expected to make a big impact right away. Cunningham is already arguably the best player on the Detroit Pistons roster.
The 19-year-old point guard will not be without his challengers in the Rookie of the Year race. Detroit-hating Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets, and Jalen Suggs of the Orlando Magic respectively are exciting young players who could easily run away with the award. Cleveland Cavaliers big man Evan Mobley should not be counted out either if he develops.
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Cunningham’s bid for Rookie of the Year is going to be no cakewalk. He will have to fight off Green, Suggs, Mobley and any other challengers in order to secure the award. And you never know what lower pick could blossom.
Without a doubt, Cunningham has the skill and talent necessary to win the Rookie of the Year. At Oklahoma State, the 6-8 point guard showed superb scoring and playmaking talent. His 40-percent shooting from beyond the arc also appears to be translating to the NBA.
At the NBA’s Summer League, Cunningham showed fans why he had been the consensus top prospect in the 2021 Draft for well over a year.
But talent and skill alone will not guarantee Cunningham, Rookie of the Year honors. The 19-year-old will also require good fortune and a little bit of luck, in order to secure the award.
Here are three keys to Cade Cunningham winning Rookie of the Year.