The offseason will not be about rest for Cade Cunningham

Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons discovered one of the most difficult things about being the number one pick: Losing.

The top pick usually goes to a terrible or rebuilding team and often has to adjust to the idea of losing, which is typically something they haven’t done much of.

The Pistons won just 23 games this season and you can tell that didn’t sit well with Cunningham, who said before the season that his goal was to make the playoffs in his rookie year.

The Detroit Pistons didn’t do that, but there were positive signs for the future, as they came on in the second half, played much better basketball and beat some good teams behind strong play from their rookie star.

It must be frustrating for the season to end just as things are turning around, which is why Cade Cunningham is itching to get back out there.

Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham goes into the offseason with a chip on his shoulder

In addition to the team losses, it appears that Cade will probably not win Rookie of the Year even though many national publications have named him as their top guy.

A slow start coupled with the strong play of Evan Mobley and Scottie Barnes probably doomed Cunningham, but in the end it might be good thing, as he is heading into the offseason with a chip on his shoulder, ready to work.

This is what he had to say in a recent press conference.

"“I’m not trying to just go spend some money or go places, I’m trying to lock in. I feel like that stuff will come, maybe when I win some games. Maybe then the off-season will be more about resting than anything.”"

I absolutely love this answer. It shows that Cade isn’t happy with losing, has a competitive streak and cares more about his game and winning than doing numbers on Instagram.

While I hope the rookie does take some time off to rest, I can’t wait to see what he looks like next season, as it is clear that he is going to put in the work on his game and won’t accept another tanking season like this one.

This is the exact kind of attitude you want from your team leader and I am certain that his teammates will get the message and be right there beside him.