Since he was drafted number one overall by the Detroit Pistons, Cade Cunningham has been doing everything he can to win over the fans of Detroit.
He put on the Buffs right away, has talked about how much he likes Detroit rap, has done interviews with younger beat writers and YouTube creators (including former PistonPowered editor, Nick Henkel) and has said all of the right things to win over the fans.
Not to mention the fact that he is having a fantastic rookie season, will finish in the top-2 for Rookie of the Year voting, and looks to be the star the Pistons have been searching for for 27 years.
He was recently interviewed on NBA Today and was asked who he thought was the greatest Detroit athlete of all time.
Hopefully, the answer to that question will one day be “Cade Cunningham” but for now, Cade gave an answer that most sports’ fans in Detroit would agree with. Cade might only be a rookie, but he already interviews like a veteran and knows how to win over a fanbase.
Cade Cunningham names his greatest Detroit athlete of all time
When I first heard this question, I started thinking, “Say Isiah Thomas, say Isiah Thomas, say Isiah Thomas,” as I am a Pistons’ fan first and foremost and he is arguably the greatest to ever wear the uniform.
But Cade went with what is probably the correct answer and said Barry Sanders, which is not surprising considering they share an alma mater at Oklahoma State.
Here’s what he had to say:
"“I’m going to go with Barry Sanders and my fellow Oklahoma State alum…I mean, playing IN Detroit, now FROM Detroit , I’ll let Detroit natives speak on that, but in Detroit, I’ll say Barry Sanders.”"
Barry Sanders was arguably the greatest running back of all time (certainly the most exciting), and his professional demeanor and likability made him one of Detroit’s most admired athletes.
Cade Cunningham may join Barry Sanders on that list someday, but for now he’ll have to settle for being the fan favorite on an up-and-coming Pistons team that he hopes to make great.