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Detroit Pistons: Fans need to be patient with Cade Cunningham

By Jack Simone

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 30: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons looks on against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter of the game at Little Caesars Arena on October 30, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 30: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons looks on against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter of the game at Little Caesars Arena on October 30, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons plays against the Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

There were a lot of expectations for Cade Cunningham when the Detroit Pistons selected him first overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. He was supposed to help drag the city out of their current dry spell.

However, a right ankle sprain held Cunningham out for the few games of the year. He did eventually make his debut, but it was met with a lot of hate from fans on social media.

https://twitter.com/MeechDFS/status/1455675480703709194

Fans need to be patient with Detroit Pistons rookie Cade Cunningham

After just a game or two in the league, some people were ready to label him a bust. Even if that is extreme, a lot of people began to question whether or not Cunningham was worth the first overall pick.

It doesn’t help that this rookie class has been playing super well so far. Players such as Scottie Barnes, Evan Mobley, and Franz Wagner have been making headlines.

Meanwhile, Cunningham is just trying to find his footing with the Detroit Pistons. Well, last night was the perfect step in that direction for the young point guard.

He put up some solid numbers vs. the Philadelphia 76ers last night. Cunningham ended the game with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.

While his shooting numbers may have still looked a bit rough (4-17 from the field and 1-7 from three), this was definitely an improvement from his first two games.

It was the first time he score in the double digits, and it also marked the first double-double of his career. He definitely needs to work on his efficiency, but that will come in due time.

Cunningham is currently 7-39 from the field this season, as well as 1-21 from behind the three-point line. Those numbers aren’t ideal, to say the least.

With all that being said, Cunningham is still only 20 years old and is coming off of an ankle sprain. Just because the guy is young doesn’t mean a sprained ankle won’t have any effect on him.

Every rookie goes through growing pains, and Cunningham is clearly no different. He recently said that his teammates on the Detroit Pistons have been nothing but encouraging, and fans should be doing the same thing.

Not everybody can step into the league and be an immediate star. Fans need to be patient with Cunningham. The Detroit Pistons rookie will figure things out in due time.

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