Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons are a long way from being in the Eastern Conference Finals, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get a taste of the atmosphere.
The Pistons have high hopes for the future after drafting Cunningham and making some progress as the season went on. With another high draft pick, cap space to use and a few trade assets, Detroit is hoping they can be the team that climbs out of the cellar next season to make an unexpected run in the playoffs.
That’s why coach Dwane Casey wants to get his young players a taste of that atmosphere now.
Cade Cunningham and teammates Isaiah Stewart, Killian Hayes and Isaiah Livers were all in attendance at last night’s Celtics vs. Heat game along with coach Casey.
And as you can see here, they had pretty good seats for the action.
While attending a playoff game certainly isn’t going to magically make the Detroit Pistons any better, I think this was a cool gesture by coach Casey for a couple of reasons.
Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham, chemistry and playoff intensity
Again, not to make too big a deal of this, but it is nice to see teammates that like each other and have a rapport off the court. The Detroit Pistons are trying to build team chemistry around Cade Cunningham and having a leader who is well liked by his teammates is a good thing.
They also get a taste of what real playoff atmosphere is like and get to see the level of intensity players have to come with at that level. The Celtics and Heat are two of the hardest working defensive teams in the league, play smart basketball and are well coached, so the young Pistons have plenty to learn by watching them compete at the highest level.
It’s good for young players to get an understanding of just how hard it is to make the playoffs and win in the NBA, and I am sure coach Casey was using this opportunity to not just bond with his team but find some teaching moments throughout the game.
There are definitely fans who have soured on coach Casey, but there is no arguing that he is well liked and respected by his team and little gestures like this show why. Casey may be one of the older coaches in the NBA, but he still knows how to relate to young players and get the most of their talents.
Hopefully, Cade Cunningham and the young Detroit Pistons will soon be playing in these games and not just watching from the stands, but for now, it’s nice to see them doing their homework.