The Detroit Pistons selected Oklahoma State point guard, Cade Cunningham, with the No.1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft Thursday night.
“I love Detroit. I’ve already been listening to Detroit music way before the draft lottery, any of that stuff. I was already hip to the culture in Detroit. It’s a city that has a lot of things going on. Getting the sports teams rolling again would be huge for the city. If Detroit picks me, that’s the main thing I’m going to try to do is to step in and embody the swag that people from Detroit, Michigan walk with.” said Cunningham who was selected with the first overall pick in the 2021 draft.
The 6-foot-8 point guard has been in great touch for the last 2- 3 years. He played for one year with Oklahoma State, where he averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. Also, Cunningham has excellent shooting 40% from three and 43.8% overall.
“It’s still pretty surreal to me. I know how much responsibility comes with being the No. 1 pick. I know how much responsibility a city will put on the guy that they take No. 1. I’m more than excited to take on those tasks and try to deliver to the city of Detroit.” Cunningham added.
Cunningham’s main strength is his passing effective passing ability and finds open teammates. Also, he has been very good at drilling. So, he can be a great prospect and can make the mark in his debut season. Cunningham led a draft class that included other top players including USC freshman Evan Mobley, Gonzaga’s Jalen Suggs, and Florida State’s Scottie Barnes.
National Career
The 19-year-old has won a gold medal with the United States at the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup. In seven games, he averaged 11.7 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game. He produced a match-winning performance in the finals, where he scored 21 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in a 93–79 win over Mali.
“The organization has a lot of great people within it, starting with the owner (Tom Gores). Troy Weaver’s a great general manager. And then all the way down. They’ve got just great people throughout. I learned a lot on my visit and if they take me I’ll be excited to be there.” The point guard said.
