Pistons preaching patience with No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham
No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham will have high expectations this season with the Detroit Pistons but the organization will take a patient approach to his rookie campaign.
Cunningham looked to very much be a top pick with the Pistons during the Las Vegas Summer League. He dazzled throughout his stay with his scoring and ability to make plays for himself but the stakes and competition level will change soon when games begin to count.
Pistons head coach Dwane Casey on Monday acknowledged that there will be ups and downs this season with Cunningham but is confident he has a bright future ahead.
One thing I know, Cade won’t be a bust. That’s one thing, you can guarantee that but there will be growing pains. We have to be supportive. He is going to have a target on his back each and every night. It is going to be up to us, his teammates, coaching staff and the whole organization, to make sure we support him. There are going to be some nights he scores seven, there are going to be nights he scores 25. Is that who he is either way? No, there is somewhere in between until he gets used to the NBA game.
Cunningham has said since he arrived in Detroit that he doesn’t want to do too much too quickly. He wants to first get a feel for his new teammates and find his role on the team, in whatever capacity that is as the season tips off next month.
The 20-year-old understands the perception of being a No. 1 pick. However, he also wants to demonstrate to his teammates that he is more concerned with winning and making the right plays versus coming in and filling up the stat sheet.
I know it is the NBA: Nothing is given to you. You have to be humble coming in and just take it for what it is and just try to work your way up. I feel like if you can be consistent every day and just work hard, the good things will come. I’m not really going to press or force the issue too early, I want to make sure everything is smooth with the squad and patient.
Cunningham has spent much of the offseason training and getting to know his new teammates, and appears to be adjusting well. The team feels as though they have plenty to prove this season and believe they shouldn’t be overlooked as Cunningham figures to play a large role.
The Pistons enter the season as a team with plenty of momentum from their youth movement after a strong showing last year. Certainly, the addition of Cunningham figures to only help solidify their future outlook.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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