The Detroit Pistons' incredible run to begin the year continues, and fans have been positively thrilled watching Cade Cunningham dominate. Through the first two months of the season, he's eliminated what had been one of the biggest flaws in his game by getting to the free throw line at a high rate, and shooting even more efficiently.
Cunningham's free throw attempts are up to a career-high 7.5 per game, a full 2.2 attempts higher than last season. He's also averaging one point per game more than last season while taking less shot attempts from the floor as well. That combination has helped unlock a truly elite player.
Instead of forcing contested mid-range jumpers or holding the ball late in the shot clock, Cade has simplified his game. By attacking downhill, drawing contact, and then using his improved touch around the rim, he’s turned what used to be a lack of touch at the rim into one of the most effective aspects of his growth. His willingness to adjust has made Detroit’s offense more dynamic and harder to scout.
Cade Cunningham has gotten more aggressive driving to the cup
But what makes his development even more meaningful is how it has opened things up for his teammates. When defenses are afraid of Cade driving to the rim, they collapse hard and often leave shooters open. Players like Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren have benefited from that gravity in obvious ways. Ivey’s ability to cut and finish in transition has become more pronounced, and Duren’s rolling presence in pick-and-rolls has become an even greater weapon. Opponents can’t just load up on Cunningham without consequences.
Defensively, Detroit has also played with an energy and discipline that matches Cade’s offensive urgency. The Pistons have been strong in defensive performance, particularly in the paint and on switches, and that has much to do with the way they communicate and rotate as a unit. A well-rounded defensive identity keeps them in games even when shots aren’t falling, and that’s critical for a young team with championship aspirations.
Cade’s efficiency improvements have also helped the Pistons stay out of prolonged slumps. Instead of games where Detroit gets stagnant offensively, they're forcing quick decisions that usually favor the Pistons’ pace and athleticism. Their adaptability has turned them into one of the more unpredictable teams in the league, and that unpredictability gives opponents trouble.
If Cade can keep up these trends, Detroit is going to be among the favorites to win the East. There’s still room to grow, and right now the Pistons look like a franchise that has built its identity around its best player improving in the exact areas needed to elevate the entire roster.