Oklahoma State University standout Cade Cunningham is the projected No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NBA draft – and for good reason.
Cunningham is a six-foot-eight point guard prospect who’s drawn comparisons to the likes of Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic because of his killer combination of size, length, vision and multi-level scoring ability, which earned him a consensus first-team All-American selection this year as well as a Big 12 Player of the Year honour – collecting these accolades while still a freshman.
The Detroit Pistons have the No. 1 overall pick this year and despite the fact they drafted another point guard the year before in French prospect Killian Hayes, there should be no reservations whatsoever from Detroit about taking Cunningham. He’s that talented of a prospect.
Here’s a quick rundown about why Cunningham tops every notable mock draft and big board you’ll see out there as we countdown to the July 29 draft.
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Age: 19
Position: Point guard
Height: Six-foot-eight | Weight: 220 lbs
2020-21 stats PPG: 20.1 | RPG: 6.2 | APG: 3.5 | 3P%: 40.0
A versatile, do-everything prospect
As mentioned off the top, Cunningham is a big point guard, but he’s also so much more.
He’s only listed as a point guard because he played the position during his lone collegiate season at OSU, and while it is probably his most natural position on the floor, Cunningham can likely play four positions because he can do just about everything on a basketball court.
Despite relatively low assist numbers, Cunningham’s best singular ability is probably his vision and the passes he can make because of his height, which gives angles other guards simply don’t have access to. Additionally, because of that height – and his overall size, in general – it affords him the luxury to also be a decent small-ball four man defensively, as he has the strength needed to bang a bit down low.
And, as that 40 per cent mark from three indicates, Cunningham has the capability of being a deadly wing scorer. He put up nearly six threes per game in college and still connected at that rate, but he’s not just an outside gunner, he has a strong handle and can put the ball on the deck to get to his spot in the mid-range or right to the basket as well.
In short, Cunningham can pass it, he can shoot it, he can dribble it and he can defend it.
You can utilize Cunningham in just about any way you want to imagine and he can probably do it.
A natural leader
Beyond his tools, another reason why Cunningham is almost assuredly to go No. 1 overall is because he brings with him the all-important tangibles and leadership abilities that you want to see in a franchise-level player.
Cunningham successfully elevated a rather mediocre Cowboys roster and carried them to an NCAA Tournament appearance, winning a game at the tournament.
Though he was a freshman, Cunningham, quickly established himself as one of the on-court leaders for a young Oklahoma State University squad last season, both leading with his stellar play and off the floor as a vocal guy who was seen encouraging his teammates to push harder and go further.
It’s rare to see a player at the collegiate level so obviously make his teammates around him better, but with Cunningham it was obvious. He’s an unselfish guy and, to use a cliché, just makes winning plays, whether it be a pitch-ahead pass to spark a fastbreak, a big recovery block, a simple pat on the back to get his teammate back in the game or, of course, going off for 40 points, whatever the team needs to give itself the best chance to win, Cunningham is willing to do it.
That’s leadership, and that’s something Cunningham has naturally.
The one concern
Cunningham looks like a can’t-miss prospect, but if there is one knock against him it’s the fact, while he’s obviously athletic, he isn’t a super athlete like other top prospects in this draft like Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga and Evan Mobley.
Because of his size and strength, and the slower, more in-control style of game he plays it probably won’t be that much of an issue, but unless he’s built up a head of steam, Cunningham doesn’t have that explosive, blow-by quickness that will allow him to instantly get to the second level of the defence off his first step, nor does it allow him to play above the rim very much.
Additionally, on defence, while he has length and strength, his feet aren’t the quickest laterally, something that could be exposed by some of the burners seen around the NBA – particularly at the point guard position.
A better understanding of scheme and anticipation could ultimately render Cunningham’s not-so-fleet feet moot, but it could be a growing pain for him during his rookie season.
Of course, as evidenced by Doncic dominating the NBA, just because you aren’t the most athletic player in the league doesn’t mean you can’t still be one of the most effective.
Cunningham has the size, skills and smarts to overcome this minor roadblock and the Pistons will be quite happy after they take him No. 1.
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