Cade Cunningham seems to be the talk of the league in the offseason. It’s no secret that veterans and retired players love his old-school controlled playstyle and many are expecting another leap from him next year. In a recent clip posted by the “Run It Back” show (hosted by former players Chandler Parsons and Lou Williams), retired point guard Rajon Rondo also chimed in.
Cunningham and Rondo do have some similarities as point guards who control the game at their own pace, but Rondo was also an elite defender who made All-Defense four times and led the league in steals, an area where Cade Cunningham could improve.
Rondo didn't offer many specifics but thinks he's the guy who may be able to unlock another level to Cunningham's game with a few tweaks.
Rajon Rondo thinks he could elevate Cade Cunningham's game
Rondo is a former 2x NBA champion and 4x All-Star who was well-renowned for his intelligence on the court and playmaking ability. On the topic of Cunningham, Rondo said that he could help Cade elevate his game to the next level by teaching him an understanding of how to manage the game.
Cade is undoubtedly a more talented player than Rondo ever was, but Rondo’s guidance could be useful in this context. For reference, in his four All-Star seasons from 2009-2013, Rondo averaged 10.8 assists per game versus 3.4 turnovers per game. Compare this to Cade’s 9.1 assists vs 4.4 turnovers per game last season (in an era with more efficient offenses) and it’s clear that Cade could learn a thing or two from an elite floor general.
Rondo seemed in favor of Cade picking his spots more selectively and dominating the ball less on offense. However, he also acknowledged that Cade might need to score near 30 points a game without another star to lessen the scoring burden.
In the playoffs, this became an obvious flaw in the Pistons’ roster and the Knicks took advantage by blitzing him frequently. The Pistons are hoping the return of Jaden Ivey from injury and incremental improvement from other players can alleviate some scoring pressure from Cade.
Cade Cunningham’s game is already remarkably mature and well-rounded, especially considering his young age. He has the opportunity to continue developing with the guidance of other players, active or retired, with more experience - and Pistons fans hope he will make full use of that opportunity.