After a terrific playoff run, Cade Cunningham went out with a whimper by scoring just 12 points in a massive Game 7 loss against the Cavaliers. Cade's inability to generate easy looks became obvious as he finished just 5-of-16 from the field. He was clearly hurt by the Pistons' overall lack of spacing, but also needs to do a better job of creating consistent offense that doesn't rely on him hitting some of the toughest shots in basketball.
Cade's tough shot-making was bound to dry up
Throughout the playoffs, Cunningham had exceeded all expectations as a scorer by converting on immensely tough attempts. His scoring numbers were buoyed by an inexplicable spike in his 3-point shooting, but that was bound to eventually come crashing back down to earth. When his three-ball wasn't falling (0-of-7) in Game 7, he had a hard time getting anything going downhill.
The issue is two-fold and lies in both Cade's own build as a player and the Pistons' roster flaws. Obviously, the team needs to make some big changes this summer to give him more operating room and alleviate some defensive pressure. But Cade himself also needs to improve his ability to get simple baskets.
Too often in the playoffs, Cade settled for tough stepbacks or pull-up threes rather than attacking the rim. Surely the deterrent of rim protectors and the Pistons' own non-shooters clogging the lane impacted this decision, but other offensive engines could have still gotten rim attacks in his position. Thanks to Cade's limited athleticism (compared to the other best scorers in the league), he's unable to attack the paint with the same impunity and finish over or through help defenders.
The Pistons need Cade to take another step up
For Detroit to make a serious run at a championship, they will need their superstar to have a more reliable base. The most obvious example in today's NBA of a dominant scorer with Cade's physical profile is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The two-time MVP and reigning Finals MVP in Oklahoma City has turned himself into an uber-efficient machine by mastering the midrange jumper and using his deceptive quickness to blow by defenders on drives.
Cade's midrange game isn't quite at the level of SGA yet, but that's where he'll need to get if he wants to carry an offense with those shots. Otherwise, Cade will need to find ways to get better rim attempts. Better shooting across the roster should help and hopefully give Cade more of a chance to lean into his drive game or the occasional post-up.
Regardless of their exact route, the Pistons need to find better ways for Cade Cunningham to attack the rim. Hopefully he's able to make some personal improvements while the team gets better around him.
Add us as a preferred source on Google