Why Cade Cunningham should play off the ball more for Pistons
The Detroit Pistons made Cade Cunningham the number one pick in the draft for a reason: He makes everyone around him better.
Cunningham is a gifted passer from the point guard position, and also has the size to get into the paint for floaters or work out of the post.
His 25.6 percent usage rate is second on the team and first among rookies, so he is handling the ball plenty and is setting up his teammates at a high rate as he did in last night’s frustrating loss to the Nuggets in which he had eight assists.
Related Story. Cade Cunningham makes Pistons' history again in loss to Jazz. light
But he also had six turnovers, which has been a problem for him this season, and at times this year he’s been exposed when he has the ball in his hands too much.
Coach Casey talked about the effects of Cade’s usage and said that the Pistons would like to get him more looks off the ball.
Some of you got triggered by #Pistons Dwane Casey saying he wanted Cade Cunningham off the ball a little more. Here's the full quote, for context.
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) January 22, 2022
It's more about giving him a rest and not having to bring the ball up on every possession and having to initiate as well. pic.twitter.com/vjSHmR6qQy
Obviously, the offense is going to run through Cade Cunningham most of the time, but coach Casey is right, it would help him to get more looks off the ball.
The Detroit Pistons should use Cade Cunningham off the ball more
Cory Joseph has been in the starting lineup the last two games, which has taken some of the ball handling duties away from Cade Cunningham.
Though Joseph dribbles too much at times, it has led to some easier shots for Cade where he only has to dribble a couple of times before getting his shot off.
Cade Cunningham is very good in isolation, but it would help him and the team if they used those plays sparingly, as their offense is too predictable otherwise.
Yes, Cade is a very good passer and facilitator and I am not suggesting they make him a shooting guard, only that they need to pick some spots for him where his primary focus is scoring off the ball, as he is also their best scoring threat.
Cunningham is shooting 35 percent on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers this season on a low number of attempts, so it would be nice to see him get a few more of those per game.