Detroit Pistons: 3 Keys to a dream season for Cade Cunningham

Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham needs a supporting cast

This season the Detroit Pistons have the most balanced roster they’ve had in years, which should help Cunningham be more efficient.

Harris, Burks, and Bogdanovic should provide perimeter shooting, which will spread the floor and create opportunities for Cunningham to increase his assists. With sharpshooters on the floor, driving lanes should be open.

The depth at the five should provide lob threats if rotations are properly timed, which, having watched Phoenix, I expect will be a point of emphasis in an offense orchestrated by Monty Williams. With the floor spread by the shooters mentioned above, Duren, Wiseman, and MB3 should be setting picks and rolling to the basket or rotating to get into position to rebound and return missed shots.

Athleticism on the wings between Ivey and Thompson should relieve the demands on defense and allow for more off-ball movement, and competent backup point guard play, whether from Hayes, Sasser, or Morris, should allow Cunningham to play at his own pace. He can rest a few more minutes a night, and he won’t be forced to rush shots, to try to make up for a deficit created by the bench, or to play outside his comfort zone.