Cade Cunningham is a refreshing throwback for most NBA fans with his controlled pace and versatile skillset. As his NBA career has progressed, he’s modernized his game by steadily replacing long midrange attempts with 3s and shots at the rim. But he must be careful to not overdo this optimization and take away what makes him so special.
The midrange still has its place
On media day, Cade spoke about trying to improve his (and the team’s) efficiency by taking fewer long midrange shots over the years. Last season, he had his lowest share of points from the midrange at 9.5 percent and his highest share of points in the paint at 49 percent. He also averaged a career high in threes attempted at 6 per game.
The NBA has been shifting in this direction for many years, but the midrange isn’t completely dead yet. It can still provide a lot of value for star players, especially in the playoffs. We’ve seen guys like Jokic and SGA have success in the postseason partially because of their scoring versatility and ability to hit a middy when needed.
On the other hand, players that try to over optimize and completely cut out the midrange have struggled in the playoffs compared to the regular season. The most famous example of course is James Harden. When defenses have more time to game plan and referees allow more physicality, it gets harder to create a three or layup every possession.
Having a solid midrange to fall back on as a counter is crucial to advancing deep in the playoffs, which is exactly what the Pistons hope to do this season. Cade should be capable of having great playoff performances as an extremely versatile offensive player, including different ways of scoring the ball. He can give you buckets at the rim, in the post or from anywhere else on the court - including the midrange.
Trying to reduce his midrange attempts even further can make him rusty from that area by the postseason. Without practice, he could definitely lose his touch from there, even though it should be easier to hit than a pull-up three (which I’m sure he’ll keep in the shot diet).
Cade Cunningham has the talent and skills to be a star in the NBA - he’s already proven that with his All-Star nod and All-NBA selection last season. But taking the next step to being a proper superstar that can lead a championship team is no small task. Every difference in ability matters more in the playoffs, and comfort in the midrange can be a major advantage. Even if he wants to have a leaner shot diet, Cade shouldn’t take it so far that he loses his midrange touch.