NBA Rookie Ladder Week 22: Undrafted rookie enters top five

By Jack Simone | Mar 17, 2022

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 26: Trendon Watford #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts against the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter at Moda Center on January 26, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 11: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on March 11, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts, NBA Rookie Ladder Week 22: Undrafted rookie enters top five. 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 Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /

Week 22 NBA Rookie Ladder: 2. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

Rank last week: 1

Stats: 16.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 40.5% FG, 32.1% 3PT

Since last ladder: 24.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 46.8% FG, 31.3% 3PT

Cade Cunningham missed a bunch of time at the start of the season, so Evan Mobley and Scottie Barnes got a significant head start on him in the Rookie of the Year race.

Then, when he returned, Cunningham didn’t look quite like himself. He struggled with efficiency and just wasn’t putting up the stats most expected him to.

However, as the season has gone on, Cunningham has improved a ton since the All-Star break, and the Detroit Pistons are playing a much better brand of basketball.

He’s been leading the way alongside Jerami Grant on the offensive end. And while Cunningham has a long, long way to go on the defensive side of the floor, the team as a whole has played great on that end.

Cunningham has been the focal point of their offense and despite being a rookie, it’s clear how impressive he can be when he decides to take over a game. His shot-making and overall passing ability are off the charts.

When the Pistons took Cunningham with the first overall pick, people had extremely high expectations for him. And over the past few weeks, he has been fully living up to those expectations.