Cade Cunningham has officially been listed as out against the Nets tonight, but it should be beneficial for him in the long run. Cade has played his usual starring role in a slew of tough games recently, including back-to-back losses against the Spurs and Cavs. In those games, Cade looked tired compared to previous outings, which could be a result of general fatigue or the tough defense played on him by both teams.
Either way, Cade has more than earned the right to sit out against a team focused more on their lottery position than wins on the court. His absence could give other guards on the team more opportunities, which will prepare the Pistons better for the playoffs. They should still have enough firepower to take down a lowly Brooklyn squad tonight even without Cade.
Cade Cunningham deserves his rest
Throughout the season, Cade's high level of effort on both ends has been instrumental to the Pistons' success. His offensive effort is clear from his immense workload and role as both the primary scorer and playmaker for the Pistons. But his defensive effort on top of that is what truly stands out compared to other stars.
That defensive effort has led to some brilliant plays from Cade to clean up the Pistons' back line. He's averaging 1.5 steals and 0.9 blocks per game - incredible numbers for any point guard, let alone one whose team relies on him seemingly every offensive possession. Cade has also generally been solid in his defensive position, rather than chasing steals or blocks at the detriment of overall team defense.
Resting Cade can motivate the whole team
But in recent games, especially the loss to the Cavaliers, his defensive intensity has noticeably waned. And that has seeped to the rest of the team. Cade's typical defensive effort contributes to his brilliance in leadership and forces everyone else to give maximal effort on that end. After all, if your offensive superstar and MVP candidate is trying his hardest, how can anybody else justify taking plays off?
But the team also follows suit when Cade does show less effort. It spreads through the team and leads to lackluster defensive possessions from all 5 players. This has caused the Pistons' defensive rating to slip recently, and it's come at the worst times against some tough opponents. But getting Cade some rest against the Nets can re-energize him personally and force the other Pistons to rediscover their full intensity.
If the Pistons find their defensive groove again without Cade, it will be perfect timing as they enter the home stretch towards the playoffs. They should look to keep Cade himself in top shape heading into the postseason as well. Sitting him out against the Nets is a great way to achieve both goals.