Detroit Pistons: What did we learn about Cade Cunningham in debut?

The Detroit Pistons have not started he season the way they wanted to, as number one pick Cade Cunningham has still only played one game.

The good news is that he is undefeated, as the Pistons’ lone win came in his debut, but the bad news is that he was on a minutes’ limitation and had to sit out last night on the second game of a back-to-back.

Much like Killian Hayes last season, I expect Cunningham to sit out these types of games in the early stages of returning from his injury.

The Pistons are just 1-5 and staring down a brutal November, so things could get ugly. But we have to remember this is still a rebuilding season, so success won’t necessarily be measured in wins but in development for their young players, including Cade Cunningham.

So what did we see from the rookie in his debut?

Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham is a scrapper

Cunningham endeared himself to Pistons’ fans right away by getting on the floor and scrapping for a loose ball early in his first game.

You can tell by the reaction of the crowd that they were fired up to see the rookie get his hands dirty going for a loose ball.

This may seem like a small thing but with all of their offensive struggles, the Detroit Pistons need to build around defense and energy.

This is Cade Cunningham’s team moving forward and this is how you lead by example. When teammates see the star hustling and scrapping then they have no choice but to follow.

Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham is going to fill the stat sheet

I am certain that Cade Cunningham was hoping to score more than two points in his home debut, but there were other things to be excited about.

Cunningham did miss all of his long-range shots, so he will fit right in with this Pistons team that has started the season collectively ice-cold from long range.

But even on nights when he is not scoring, Cunningham is going to contribute, as he managed to grab six rebounds in the first quarter and seven in the first half overall, which set a record for most rebounds in a half in a debut.

Cunningham didn’t play much after that, but this gives you an idea of the type of numbers this guy can put up as a 6-foot-6 guard.

The Pistons have the size in the backcourt to dominate the boards at both positions, which is going to be crucial for a team that doesn’t have much big man depth.

Once Cade Cunningham starts scoring (and he will), he’s going to be a threat to put up a triple double every time he steps on the floor.

Well, as long as his teammates can hit shots.

Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham’s near assists

One thing that could tank Cunningham’s assist numbers is that his teammates do not make enough shots.

We saw examples of this all game against Orlando, as Cunningham had seven potential assists but only two real ones.

Cunningham is a gifted playmaker, but until his teammates start making shots, it is not going to matter much, so we can expect him to possibly lead the NBA in potential assists this season.

This is something Cade is used to, as he left a ton of assists on the table in college as well, but it must be frustrating to consistently set up teammates who can’t knock down the shot.

Hopefully the team will collectively start shooting better and this won’t continue to be an issue all season, but it is definitely a statistic to keep an eye on.

The Detroit Pistons have only gotten to see 19 minutes of Cade Cunningham so far, but even in that short time there were things to be excited and concerned about.