Cade Cunningham’s Candid Draft Day Sentiment
Cade Cunningham’s draft day in 2021 remains etched in his memory, particularly for a specific apprehension he harbored about one potential destination. As the consensus top pick, Cunningham settled into his seat at the Barclays Center, buoyed by the hope that predictions would materialize. The anticipation centered on three teams: Detroit, Houston, and Cleveland. When Kevin Durant asked him about his preferences for The Boardroom’s November cover story, Cunningham’s response was immediate and revealing.
“I’m like, don’t let me go to Cleveland,” he recalled. “I’m not trying to go to Cleveland.”
A Wish Fulfilled
In the end, fate smiled on Cunningham. He was selected first overall by the Detroit Pistons, while the Cleveland Cavaliers opted for Evan Mobley. Both players have since made significant impacts on their respective teams, but Cunningham’s concerns were rooted in basketball realities. At the time, the Cavaliers boasted a robust backcourt featuring Darius Garland and Collin Sexton, complemented by the recent acquisition of Lauri Markkanen. The competition for minutes would have been steep, and for Cunningham, the allure of Houston was equally diminished.
Detroit’s Rebuilding Vision
Cunningham found a more appealing opportunity in Detroit, a team in the midst of a rebuild that he hoped would center around him. Fast forward five seasons, and it’s clear that Detroit struck gold with Cunningham. He has blossomed into an All-Star and a Nike signature athlete, solidifying his status as a premier player in the league. This season, he is enjoying career-high averages of 27.5 points, 9.9 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game, a remarkable leap from his career averages of 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists.
Success Stories All Around
Cunningham’s foresight about his draft night choices has proven prescient. Mobley, too, has carved out a significant role for himself, earning accolades as a Defensive Player of the Year and establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Cavaliers’ future. Meanwhile, Houston’s decision to draft Jalen Green, while initially promising, has not yet yielded the expected brilliance. Nevertheless, Green is currently revitalizing his career alongside superstar Devin Booker with the Phoenix Suns, hinting at potential yet to be realized.
Cunningham’s Current Standing
Today, Cunningham stands as the centerpiece of one of the youngest and most dynamic teams in the league, leading the Pistons as they aim for prominence in the Eastern Conference. His journey from a draft day filled with trepidation to becoming a franchise player underscores the complexities and unpredictabilities of the NBA. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how he continues to shape his legacy in Detroit.
