Yesterday, I asked Pistons’ Twitter to come up with some questions for a mailbag, something I would like to make a weekly feature here on PistonPowered.
So keep sending your questions and I will do my best to answer them each week. We had some good ones for the inaugural installment, so let’s jump right in. Thanks so much to those who participated. I’ll give you a follow on Twitter for your services.
Detroit Pistons mailbag: Cade Cunningham
The first question was about Cade Cunningham and comes from Obdulio Garcia.
I know Cade is incredible and playing great but, what are the things you aren't liking that he currently is doing ? For me shooting way too many shots/ shooting poorly from three.
— Obdulio Garcia (@ObdulioGarcia19) March 9, 2022
There isn’t anything about Cade Cunningham’s game that worries me too much, but I am definitely not concerned about his shooting, as just about every rookie in NBA history has shot inefficiently, especially from 3-point range. I think shot efficiency is the area where Cade will make a huge leap next season, as he is already very good at getting to his spots and will hopefully have more talent around him. I also think Cade will put on lower body strength this offseason that will help him hit some of those long 3’s that he often leaves short.
I am somewhat concerned about his turnovers, which were on full display last night against the Bulls, when he coughed it up six times. Cade often jumps before he knows what he wants to do with the ball, something you can get away with in college, but not in the NBA, where defenses close too fast.
He also has the bad habit of throwing lackadaisical passes, as he did on the very first play last night against the Bulls, leading to a turnover. You can’t throw loopy passes over the top in the NBA, and if you throw a lazy pass, lanes will close instantly.
These are things he is learning and will get better at as he gains experience. I am not really concerned, as this is partly due to his high usage rate and the fact that he hasn’t had a big man as an emergency outlet for most of the season.