If the Detroit Pistons are finally going to climb out of the NBA cellar next season, it will be behind the duo of Cae Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.
Ivey really came on in the second half of last season, looked much more comfortable initiating the offense and even made some strides on defense. The athleticism and talent are obviously there, so I think we can expect a big leap from Ivey in year two.
That will be made easier by the return of Cade Cunningham, who missed all but 12 games last season, which put added pressure on the rest of the team.
Cade has looked impressive in what we’ve seen from his offseason so far, with some obvious added strength and two fully-healthy legs.
If the Detroit Pistons are going to defy expectations next season, it will be because Cade Cunningham took a star turn, and that’s exactly what Jaden Ivey thinks is going to happen.
Detroit Pistons: Jaden Ivey thinks “a lot of people are going to be shocked”
Jaden Ivey was recently asked about the return of Cade Cunningham and his response was originally posted by Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press.
Among other things, Ivey said he thinks that “a lot of people are going to be shocked” by what they see out of Cade Cunningham. Here is the full response:
Jaden Ivey on Cade Cunningham next season: “I think a lot of people are going to be shocked.” pic.twitter.com/4zF3SDAX3r
— Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) September 20, 2023
Let’s face it, if the Detroit Pistons are ever going to enjoy the sustained success we all want, then Cade Cunningham has to become the star we hoped he would be when the Pistons selected him with the overall #1 pick back in the 2021 NBA Draft.
It’s good to see that Cade’s teammates are behind him and believe in him, as Cunningham’s leadership qualities were a big reason the Pistons took him over other talented players.
They believe he can be THAT guy, the one to build a team around, the one who inspires the rest of his teammates and makes them better.
I agree with Ivey here, as I think sitting out all of last season put a fire in Cade Cunningham that he will carry into next season, which should be his breakout as his third in the league.