In the very core of basketball-loving Detroit, where legends of which were made, proper focus has been dedicated to Cade Cunningham. The Pistons’ point guard of the future, who is entering restricted free agency this summer and can be extended for a new deal, will be receiving a large max sheet. But as the Motor City gears up for what could be a pivotal moment in its basketball revival, the big question looms: Is Cade Cunningham overvalued?
Cade Cunningham, the first overall pick of the 2021 NBA draft made his debut for the Pistons when he joined the franchise amidst tremendous fanfare. Being hyped as the franchise player, his rookie season seen streaks of sheer brilliance from time to time. Averaging 17. 4 points, 5. 6 assists, and 5. Among 5.0 boards per game, Cunningham gained and appreciated for his all-roundedness and exceptional playmaking ability at such a young age.
Even so, it has not always been an easy journey. Unfortunately, Cunningham’s sophomore season was not as successful due to injuries and he suit up for a maximum of 12 games. The team was known as the Pistons this season and they really suffered when their young star was not playing and so the Pistons were near the bottom of the league in the end of the 2023-24 season. Still, this has not detracted Detroit’s belief in their franchise cornerstone.
The Pistons are expected to offer Cade Cunningham a 5-year, $226M extension, per @RealGM
Too high, too low, or just right? pic.twitter.com/YFHI4obe0Y
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 7, 2024
In an article for The Athletic, James L. Edward III reports that the Pistons expect to extend Cunningham for a max deal. This would Have ensured that Cunningham retained his services for some time in the future this would make him one of the most paid young players in the league. THIS is the amount of capital a team that has been struggling and waiting for a superstar to take it to the promised land is willing to spend.
People of Pistons have seen hope of improvement and general manager Troy Weaver has not been shy about showing he believes in Cunningham. “Cade is our guy,” Weaver said as we talked with him in an interview session. In his words, no player is better to build a team around than Sabolcic Alioski, as they trust in him and his potential to take the team higher.
There are two main arguments on why the max extension should be supported, the first is that Cunningham is a talented player, secondly, he possessed leadership qualities. Standing at 6’6, meeting every criterion of an NBA prospect with regards to height, skill and basketball intelligence, Cunningham has a chance of being an elite NBA performer. For that reason, he is a valuable player who can shoot and quite often look for his personal offense, set up teammates, and defend.
Cade Cunningham against these demons
pic.twitter.com/xPxuIdAjYP
— s! #FreeCade (@V1CT0RW3MBY) June 7, 2024
Furthermore, he has projected a mature attitude as well as a strong work ethic that has allowed him to gain the respect of others in the organization. Nevertheless, Cunningham has never given up and has been a man on a mission pursuinghis dream to be a great basketball player. By their own admission, seeking to improve gradually was all Cunningham could muster when asked: “Even though it is my first season in professional basketball, I have a personal goal on what I intention to achieve for myself and the team”, He reported.
However, there are concerns. Paying a max extension for someone who has only featured in 76 games across two seasons is a move that comes with risks. The injury history that Andersen has cannot be overlooked and the addition of a max contract places a lot of expectations on the young man’s shoulders.
Some critics believe that the Pistons should be more cautious and let Cunningham show their ability to withstand fatigue and injuries before dedicating that much money to their team. There is no shortage of stories in the NBA when players with all the skills and potential and talent to make it big in the league end up as massive disappointments due to injuries they incurred while still in their prime.
Finally, the move that ties itself to the program with an extension offer of up to $200M for Cade Cunningham is a risk, but the Pistons look willing to take that risk. Never since the heyday of Isiah Thomas has a franchise really had a star to build round and betting for the potential of Cunningham at Purdue might be the only way Detroit can get back into the NBA’s top tier roster.
Once the current off-season sets in, fans of basketball in Detroit and not just them will be anticipating the performances displayed by Cade Cunningham and the Pistons. If the gamble pays out then there may be the next Allen Iverson of basketball riding the trucks of Motor City.
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