The NBA Rookie of the Year award is coming down the wire and Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons is making a strong case for it. This year’s rookie class has been one of the best in years, as at least five players have a legitimate argument for Rookie of the Year. It may come down to the preference of voters and whether they weigh team success when making their decision. Cade Cunningham, Josh Giddey and Franz Wagner are all on bad teams while Evan Mobley and Scottie Barnes’ teams are likely headed to the playoffs, currently holding the 4th and 7th seeds, respectively.
Since both rookies have been such a big part of their team’s turnaround, their success has to be factored in, though it certainly doesn’t mean Cade Cunningham can’t win, as it is ultimately an individual award. Let’s take a look at each player’s most recent game and how their season stats stack up.
Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham’s case for Rookie of the Year
Franz Wagner
Last game: 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists in a win Season stats: 15.5/4.6/3.0
Josh Giddey
Last game: out with injury Season stats: 12.5/7.8/6.4
Scottie Barnes
Last game: Six points and four rebounds in a loss Season stats: 14.5/7.3/3.2
Cade Cunningham
Last game: 25 points, seven rebounds and three assists in a loss to Boston Season stats: 16/5.5/5.1
Evan Mobley
Last game: 14 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two blocks in a win Season stats: 14.8/8.1/2.6 Right now, I would put Mobley and Cunningham neck-and-neck for Rookie of the Year and I do think they have separated themselves from the pack somewhat. Cade clearly has the advantage over Wagner and Giddey, whose stats are worse and are also on bad teams. I would also give Cade the advantage over Barnes, whose responsibility is not nearly as big, who doesn’t have the usage rate and is playing a secondary role on a good team. I still have Mobley as the frontrunner to win the award right now, though Cade has been inching closer of late. Mobley’s stats, defense and the fact that he is on a team headed for a home playoff series, gives him the slight edge. Cade Cunningham has 22 games left to catch Mobley, and if he keeps having big games last night, I think he will.