Pistons Preview: Is Cade Cunningham Cornerstone Detroit Needs, Or Just Another False Start?

October 17, 2024

Pistons Preview

A look at the Detroit Pistons entering the 2024-25 season …

Coach: J.B. Bickerstaff
Last Season: 14-68 (failed to make the playoffs)
New Faces: Bickerstaff, Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr., Malik Beasley, Paul Reed, Ron Holland, Wendell Moore Jr., Bobi Klintman
Notable Losses: Quentin Grimes, James Wiseman, Evan Fournier, Troy Brown Jr., Malachi Flynn, Stanley Umude, Taj Gibson, Chimezie Metu

Overview

Three years in, and the Pistons are still waiting. Cade Cunningham was supposed to be the guy — the franchise cornerstone to pull Detroit out of the basement and into relevance. But as we sit here today, the question remains: Is Cade Cunningham truly worth building around?

Now, let’s be clear. Cunningham showed flashes of what made him the No. 1 overall pick. He’s got the size, the vision, the ability to fill a stat sheet — 23 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists per game last season after coming off a shin injury. On paper, those numbers look good.

But the Pistons? They’ve been terrible. Historic losing streaks. Five straight seasons in the bottom five of the standings. And despite Cunningham’s presence, the question of whether he can lead this team anywhere hasn’t been answered.

It’s not all on him. Detroit’s tried to surround him with young talent, but it’s been hit or miss.

Killian Hayes? Bust. Jaden Ivey? Jury’s out. Ausar Thompson? Couldn’t shoot the ball last season. Ron Holland? Taken fifth in the draft, but some thought it was a reach. Jalen Duren? Sure, he looks like he can be something, but none of these guys are pushing the Pistons forward right now.

That’s why Detroit went out this summer and added some veteran help. Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr., Malik Beasley. These aren’t All-Stars, but they’re professionals. Guys who know how to play off a star. So, now we’ll get a chance to see: Can Cunningham elevate them? Can he lift this team out of the NBA’s cellar?

Cunningham has all the tools. He’s a 6-foot-6 point guard, with the body and skill to control the game. He can see the floor, he can make plays, and he’s got a natural calm to his game.

But his offensive efficiency hasn’t been there, and the excuses — injuries, lack of talent, instability — have piled up.

Now? The excuses are gone. He’s got capable shooters around him. He’s got a young core that, in theory, complements his skillset. Can he make them better? Can he give the front office something to believe in as they approach his looming $224 million max contract next summer?

Best-case scenario: The Pistons improve. Cunningham shows he can be the leader of a functional offense, even if it doesn’t translate into wins just yet. They keep their top-13 protected pick and show signs of life.

Worst-case scenario: Cunningham isn’t the answer. Neither is Ivey, Thompson, or Holland. Detroit is right back where it was years ago, stuck in the lottery without a clear direction — just like the days of Greg Monroe, Brandon Knight, and Andre Drummond. And the rinse-and-repeat cycle of mediocrity continues.