After a challenging season with the Detroit Pistons, which included a record-breaking 27 consecutive losses, Cade Cunningham emerged as a key leader, urging his team to stay united. Despite past struggles and a franchise-worst record, Cunningham`s perseverance is driving a significant Pistons` improvement this season.
Cunningham addressed early doubts about his career, stating he always felt supported by the team and was determined to prove his worth. The Pistons have dramatically improved, becoming the first NBA team to triple their previous season`s win total, excluding lockout seasons.
Cunningham is achieving career-high averages in points (25.7), assists (9.2), and field goal percentage (46.2%). He is on track to be the first Piston to average 25 points per game since Jerry Stackhouse in 2000-01. Zion Williamson praised Cunningham as an All-NBA caliber player, highlighting his impactful performance.
Cunningham aspires to be among Pistons legends like Isiah Thomas and Kevin Porter in assists, and aims even higher, stating his ambition to become the best player in the world.
In a notable game against Miami, Cunningham hit a game-winning buzzer-beater, marking his triple-double performance. Andre Drummond, a former Piston, celebrated Detroit`s success, emphasizing his continued connection to the city.
Amon-Ra St. Brown of the Detroit Lions sees parallels between his team`s resurgence and the Pistons` improvement, noting shared journeys from struggle to success. Cunningham quickly connected with Detroit fans, embracing local culture and receiving support from city icons like 42 Dugg.
Cunningham`s nine triple-doubles this season place him among Pistons greats like Grant Hill. Hill sees similarities in their playing styles, praising Cunningham`s game sense and basketball instincts.
Coaches and teammates highlight Cunningham`s leadership, especially his ability to uplift his team during tough times. His offensive impact is statistically significant, ranking high in points created from drives and leading the league in assists to specific teammates.
Pistons owner Tom Gores emphasized his confidence in signing Cunningham to a maximum extension, impressed by Cunningham`s accountability and resilience during adversity. Despite coaching changes and past injuries, Cunningham expresses that he is currently enjoying his most rewarding season due to the team`s winning trajectory. Teammate Jalen Duren believes Cunningham`s best is yet to come.