The Pistons have relied on star Cade Cunningham to carry their offense all season long, but that could be their undoing according to Bill Simmons. Simmons reiterated concerns about the Pistons' offense in the playoffs by emphasizing the huge load that Cade has to carry. Detroit's lack of a secondary creator could end up hurting them if they are unable to adjust in the postseason.
"So much relies on Cade, I think that's going to be their fatal flaw ultimately."NBA Analyst and Podcaster Bill Simmons
Will opposing defenses figure out the Cade-centric offense?
Simmons compared Cade's situation to two other ball-dominant modern guards: James Harden and Luka Doncic. Both have been incredible fulcrums of their team's offenses throughout their careers, frequently leading the league in points and assists. But Simmons feels that this style of play has also capped their playoff success, because opponents are able to gameplan for it predictably.
The Pistons' reliance on Cade and his interior game was exploited recently by the Spurs, lending validity to Simmons' argument. When Cade had a bad shooting night and was affected by San Antonio's great defenders, the Pistons were not able to generate good looks with any regularity. Playoff opponents will definitely try to replicate this effect and possibly even blitz Cade to get the ball out of his hands.
But it's also worth noting that every team won't have the same success of the Spurs. San Antonio's defensive strengths are nearly impossible for other rosters to match, from their perimeter bulldogs to their imposing presence in the middle. Other teams probably won't be able to slow down Cade in the same way, and his versatile game should help him in the playoffs.
Not only has Cade taken strides as a scorer this season, he's also been arguably the best playmaker in the entire NBA. He leads the league in total assists and is nearly averaging a double-double. Many of those assists have been the most valuable kind too, finding teammates right at the rim for easy baskets. This passing ability will make it harder for teams to shut him down, even if they know where the ball is going every possession.
To be clear, Simmons is not saying that Cade or even his playstyle is the problem. Cade has shown the ability to thrive in a less ball-dominant role next to other point guards, like he did last year with Dennis Schroder. But the Pistons are currently limited in trustworthy ball-handlers. Perhaps the unproven Dannis Jenkins can grow to fill that role by the postseason.
But for now, Cade Cunningham remains the unquestioned focal point of the Pistons offense and any opposing defense. Whether or not that formula can lead to playoff success, only time can tell.