Pistons: Dwane Casey explains why Cade Cunningham has the ‘it’ factor
Detroit Pistons rookie Cade Cunningham entered the NBA this season with plenty of hype after becoming the No. 1 pick last year, and the 20-year-old has lived up to those expectations.
Cunningham, in 48 games, is averaging 16.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.2 steals this season on 40% shooting from the field. He currently leads the rookie class in scoring average and field goals made per game (6.1), and is second in assists.
He is among several first-year players that have impressed this season in a rookie class that, as a whole, appears to be one of the best in recent memory. Pistons head coach Dwane Casey, unsurprisingly, would take Cunningham over those other rookies based on his performance this year.
Casey explained why Cunningham has been so special.
I’m biased because I think Cade has played excellent basketball. I still think he is top of the list just because he sees the floor. He is a leader. He has that ‘it’ factor. Someone asked me who I’ve had like him, (Kyle) Lowry was like that. He had that ‘it’ factor. Close games, he makes big buckets, big plays. He talks in timeouts and in practice so I’m impressed with Cade with that.
Cunningham was highly touted as a strong leader on the court prior to the draft, one that looks to get others involved. He often does so before looking to create for himself as the floor general, an area that Cunningham takes great pride in.
He is often the player initiating the offense for the Pistons and has shown great instincts throughout the season. Between setting up his teammates and putting them in the right situations, and taking over himself, Cunningham has looked every bit of being the top pick.
Cunningham, in just his rookie season, has shown that he can handle the expectations of being a franchise cornerstone. The scary thing is he hasn’t even scratched the surface of his potential.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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