The Detroit Pistons are in the midst of their first full season with Andre Drummond, who was taken with the ninth overall pick in 2012. Drummond is a 6’11” center who averaged 13 points and 14 rebounds per game last year.
Cade Cunningham is one of the most highly touted prospects in recent memory. Cunningham has been widely regarded as the best player in the draft for months, and he is now a member of the Detroit Pistons. Expectations will be high, but Cunningham has the ability to rise to the occasion.
Cunningham had a fantastic season at Oklahoma State, averaging 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He accomplished it while shooting an effective 40% from beyond the three-point arc. This season, Cunningham seems to be poised to take the league by storm.
Cunningham’s first season with the Pistons will be marked by five daring predictions.
5. Cade Cunningham has the most thefts among rookies.
When you think of Cunningham, you think of his great offensive, but he’s also a good defensive player. He averaged 1.6 thefts per game last season, demonstrating his defensive value. He has excellent timing when it comes to going after the ball, which will help him top the rookie class in thefts.
Cunningham leads the Pistons to a play-in game in the fourth round.
Cunningham leads a strong young group that may make it to the play-in game for the Pistons. Despite finishing with a 20-46 record, the youthful core received important playing experience that will benefit them in the next season. Cunningham is expected to have a fantastic rookie season, and he has the potential to lead the Pistons to a play-in game.
3. Cade Cunningham makes at least 40% of his three-point attempts.
Cunningham’s effective three-point shooting is a key component of his game. He intends to effortlessly transfer this aspect of his game to the NBA. This would be a noteworthy achievement, since many rookies struggle to be productive early in their careers.
Cunningham’s shooting talent is expected to take the league by storm.
2. Cunningham scores 20 points each game on average.
Averaging 20 points each game is another amazing accomplishment Cunningham might do. In college, he shown his ability to take over games, and he plans to do it in the NBA. Cunningham averaged over 20 points per game in college and could score from everywhere on the court.
Cunningham could have a rookie season where he averages 20 points per game due to his scoring flexibility.
1. Cade Cunningham takes home Rookie of the Year honors.
The Rookie of the Year award is the highest prestigious honor a rookie can receive. Cunningham will very certainly be the front-runner for the prize, as he should be. He seems to be a once-in-a-generation player who will become the Pistons’ face. There are numerous reasons why he may win Rookie of the Year apart from his skill.
For starters, he’ll be a leader and a top player on the Pistons right away, which isn’t something every rookie can claim. Another factor is that he has a strong youthful core around him who can complement him. He’s the best prospect for a reason, and he should win this honor.
The Pistons were fortunate enough to win the draft lottery and get a franchise player as a result. Cunningham is a potential superstar who was drafted ahead of the rest of his draft class. Being a tier above the rest of the class is amazing, but it’s even more so when you consider how brilliant the rest of the class is.
Cade Cunningham is expected to have a breakout first season and achieve a lot.