Pistons: 3 things Cade Cunningham provides that DET needs

Finally, the moment has arrived and the Detroit Pistons have drafted Cade Cunningham with the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft. There was never any true indication that any other outcome was more than a remote possibility, but a fanbase scarred by the drafting choices of the Stan Van Gundy administration has learned to never assume the best.

With the pick made and Cunningham now a Piston, there’s a mix and joy and relief for fans. Just getting the No. 1 pick for the first time in over 50 years was a win in and of itself, and to be able to use it on a ready-made star like Cunningham is a pretty significant bonus. It’s nice to not waste that first opportunity in a mediocre draft.

So now that Cade Cunningham is a Detroit Piston, let’s take a look at three primary things he’ll bring to his new team.

What Cade Cunningham provides the Pistons: 1. Playmaking

At times in the past couple of seasons, the Pistons have had barely anybody who could qualify as a lead ball-handler let alone anything resembling a playmaker. Bruce Brown and Tim Frazier occupying a backcourt together just a couple of years ago, and bless their hearts but that won’t cut it.

Now Cunningham will join Killian Hayes in perhaps the youngest backcourt in the NBA, and one of the best playmaking duos. Finally and at long last, the Pistons will have a surplus of capable ball-handler and facilitators, and they should be able to make life easy for teammates Jerami Grant, Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart.