Cade Cunningham and the illusion of joining the Detroit Pistons youth project | NBA.com Spain | The Official Site of the NBA

There were doubts, rumors and uncertainty until the last moment, but the Detroit Pistons They did what was expected and chose the one who today is considered the greatest talent in the entire class. Cade cunningham already poses as a new player in the Michigan franchise after they invested their No. 1 pick in Oklahoma State product.

Called to be a differential player with the ball in his hands for his great understanding of the game, the 2.03 base will reach some Pistons in full reconstruction and that they have a good cast of young people to draw on to try to shape a project that can return them not only to the Playoffs but to fight for great goals.

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Braggart, cheerful and talkative, in his first public appearance as a new member of the franchise Cunningham was full of praise for the Detroit team, ensuring that they are taking the appropriate steps to shape a positive future, with figures of quality and potential.

“I am excited to be able to join that young nucleus and to be able to grow together with them. I think that is the most important thing. I want to fully immerse myself and contribute to the mentality they have in the games,” commented Draft No. 1 on his teammates. “They want to defend, play hard and that’s what I want to bring to them. I don’t want to be a step behind the team’s mentality. The Detroit Pistons have always been characterized by effort and working for those who are there. You look at the Bad Boys and that’s what made them great teams. I want to bring that mentality to the team, I feel like by joining them we can reach the next level. “

1627900048 924 Cade Cunningham and the illusion of joining the Detroit Pistons

Since 2010 the Pistons have only reached the Playoffs twice, without being able to win a game in either of the two times (2016 and 2019). In fact, they haven’t won a game in the postseason since 2008, when they slipped into the Conference Finals, being downed by the Boston Celtics, eventually champions. With the arrival of Cunningham this is expected to be a part of the past, someone with the potential to join forces alongside Jerami Grant, Saddiq Bey and Killian Hayes and make Detroit a winning franchise again.

“I know myself, I know the team, I know that we are up to that challenge. I know that we are ready to go into any game and show people that we are really trying to restore the Pistons and bring that greatness back to Detroit.”

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Cade put special emphasis on highlighting the work and talent of one of his new teammates, who is in turn one of his positional rivals, Killian Hayes. “Last year Detroit had a great Draft. Picking two All-Rookie players is great. It’s great that they already have a young core with Killian Hayes, coming off injury, who is going to have a great year this season.” , the native of Texas warned about the French. “I think when I get there I’m going to be able to help Killian and he is going to be able to help me. I feel like we can put a lot of pressure on each other. We are both capable of being the main ball handlers and we can play away from the ball. ball to make plays. I feel like it will be a good mix and that it will bring a lot of versatility to the backcourt. We are both big, strong and we play with everything under control. “

Cunningham made his personality clear when asked if in the future people would remember tonight as the time the Lakers took over Russell Westbrook or when he was drafted. The rookie had it very clear.

“I think it will be the night Cade Cunningham was drafted by the Pistons., because when people look back on that is the moment the Pistons restored their franchise and brought greatness back to town. That is my main challenge when I get to Detroit. They have had champion teams in the past. They have seen greatness up close. I want to be able to bring that back to town. “

A truly statement of intents of the 19-year-old guard, who will have to fulfill his promise as of October 19, when the 2021-2022 season kicks off.

The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the NBA or its organizations.