2022 NBA Draft shows why Cade Cunningham was the right choice for Pistons

It has become clear over the course of this season that the Detroit Pistons made the right choice when they selected Cade Cunningham with the number one pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Though there are strong arguments to be made for who should win Rookie of the Year, Cade has already shown himself to be the Alpha-dog leader of the Pistons, is their go-to player in the clutch and is the guy most GM’s would select if they had the chance to choose one guy from his class.

Cunningham has really stepped up over the last two games, going head-to-head with Kevin Durant and James Harden and not backing down.

Durant gave Cade Cunningham and the Pistons props after the recent loss to the Nets, not the first time we’ve heard future Hall-of-Famers rave about him.

You can make compelling cases for Evan Mobley, Scottie Barnes and Jalen Green, but in the end, I am happy the Detroit Pistons got Cade Cunningham and the 2022 NBA Draft really shows why.

Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham is the easiest prospect to build around

Earlier this week I asked which draft/free agent duo would fit best with Cade Cunningham and there were a variety of answers.

I looked at different combinations with Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith, Paolo Banchero and Jaden Ivey, and in the end, they all worked because of Cade Cunningham.

Cade is one of those guys who is going to make winning plays and make his teammates better regardless of where he is on the court. It gives the Pistons a huge advantage in the draft, as they don’t really have to consider fit: Cade fits with anyone.

Cade prefers Paolo Banchero, but a skilled big like Chet Holmgren would be a great fit, as would a lights-out shooter like Jabari Smith, or an off-ball scoring guard like Jaden Ivey.

Cunningham will adapt, change to his environment as needed and still be just as effective as a playmaker and scorer with any of these top picks.

This rookie class has been unbelievable, so this isn’t a knock on the other guys, but Cade Cunningham has the basketball IQ, size and skill to play with literally anyone, which makes things a whole lot easier for the Pistons.

As Kevin Durant said, “When you’ve got a 6’7″ point guard, I mean s***, that’s a good start.”