It’s hard to overstate just how different the narrative around the Detroit Pistons is this season.
We went from wondering if this was the worst team in NBA history, to wondering if they might be able to catch the Knicks for the 3-seed in the last weeks of the season.
Fans of teams like the Hornets and Wizards should feel some glimmer of hope watching the Pistons, as they are proof that things can turn around quickly in the NBA without completely overhauling the roster.
Having an All-Star, soon to be All-NBA player helps, as the biggest reason for Detroit’s renaissance has been the play of Cade Cunningham, who is currently the frontrunner for the Most Improved Player award whether you agree with that assessment or not.
Michigan-native Draymond Green has certainly taken notice, and made some bold predictions about Cade Cunningham and the Pistons on a recent episode of The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis.
Cade Cunningham will bring a championship back to Detroit
Draymond Green didn’t mince words when talking about the impact Cade Cunningham has had on the Pistons, nor in his prediction of how he will affect the future of the franchise.
Green said that “Cade Cunningham will bring a championship back to Detroit,” adding that he has the “talent,” “mentality,” and “size” to shoulder the burden of being the best player on a title team.
He did add that the Pistons needed some “fine-tuning” to get there, and he’s definitely right about that, as I don’t think anyone expects Detroit to win a title this season even though they have been the best story in the NBA.
Most title teams have a clear pecking order behind their star, which Detroit does not currently have, as you can debate who their second-best player is right now. But that’s a good thing, as most of the names you would mention are players who are in their early 20’s who have not yet hit their peak.
The Pistons aren’t five players away from being a title contender, and if it’s the right guy (I have some ideas), you could argue that the Pistons could be in that conversation as soon as next season with the addition of just 1-2 more solid players, and that they don’t even need hunt another star because that guy is already on the team.
But before the Pistons hunt titles, they have to clear the first hurdle, which is to make the playoffs to get experience and reps while hopefully making some noise.
We’re not there yet, but it’s clear the Pistons are finally headed in the right direction and it’s good to see players and media around the league recognize what is happening.