The Detroit Pistons won the NBA Draft Lottery and now win the right to draft a franchise-altering talent in Cade Cunningham. You may argue that Cunningham is a perfect fit for any team. While you are correct, superstar or not, some players fit in specific situations better than others.
Entering Tuesday’s NBA Lottery, three NBA teams had a 14% chance at landing the top pick. They were the Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, and Orlando Magic. Of course, we are all aware of the city’s often misfortune in professional sports lottery’s, but finally, lady luck was on the side of Detroit.
Cunningham is considered to be the consensus No. 1 pick. For the first time since 1970, when the organization selected eventual Hall Of Fame center Bob Lanier, the Pistons will have the opportunity to make the selection.
Cade Cunningham A Perfect Fit
The talented 6-foot-8 combo guard will have an opportunity to spread his wings and take flight leading the youthful core put together in Detroit. We’re just a year removed from General Manager Troy Weaver making three first-round selections, which all made a positive impact during their rookie season.
Cunningham is a long and lengthy guard that can guard multiple positions. His size somewhat reminds me of Ben Simmons. But unlike Simmons, Cunningham, in his words, ‘isn’t afraid to empty the clip’ shooting the basketball. Cunningham also excels in shooting the basketball beyond the arc.
Last year with the Cowboys, the youngster shot a stellar 40% from three while averaging 20.1 points per game. He also compiled 6.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. Cunningham also excels at the free-throw line knocking down almost 85% of his opportunities.
How Will The Detroit Pistons Use Cunningham And Killian Hayes Together?
After a plodding start to his NBA career, Hayes proved that he could be a dynamic facilitator after returning from a torn labrum in his hip that sidelined him for most of his rookie season. Hayes often displayed elite court vision and playmaking ability. However, Hayes did struggle offensively, only shooting 35% from the field.
Now adding Cunningham to the mix with the three-point specialist in Saddiq Bey and the emergence of Jerami Grant. Hayes won’t need to be pressured to score. Each guard will spend plenty of time with the ball in their hands. Perhaps Hayes begins the 2021-22 season coming off of the bench allowing the hyper-athletic Hamidou Diallo to start alongside Cunningham and Bey. Can you say scoring in transition?
Hayes will be able to play his game and make sure these three scorers get a plethora of opportunities. But, it’s still basketball; when Hayes is left open, he will drive the lane or pull up and take the open shot. Both Mason Plumlee and Isaiah Stewart will continue to clean the glass, and both have offensive upside playing the five.
There are no odds available quite yet for the 2021-22 season. These will come out about mid-summer. Keep an eye out at your local Michigan sportsbooks to place a wager on the NBA rookie of the year and the Detroit Pistons playoff odds.
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