Rising star Cade Cunningham, the dynamic point guard for the Detroit Pistons, has been the subject of recent discussion regarding his potential trajectory in the NBA. At just 23 years old, Cunningham, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft out of Oklahoma State, has already demonstrated significant prowess on the court, establishing himself as a foundational piece for his team.
Amidst the growing excitement surrounding his talent, two-time NBA Champion Rajon Rondo offered a compelling perspective on what Cunningham needs to achieve to elevate his game further. Rondo, a revered figure known for his exceptional court vision and basketball IQ, shared his insights during an appearance on FanDuel’s flagship NBA show, Run It Back, providing a valuable blueprint for the young phenom’s continued basketball development.
Rondo’s assessment highlighted Cunningham’s already impressive skill set, particularly praising his ability as a “3-level scorer” and his capacity to “manipulate the game on both ends of the floor.” This recognition from an accomplished veteran underscores the inherent talent and versatile offensive capabilities that make Cunningham one of the most promising young NBA stars in the league today.
However, Rondo emphasized that there is a crucial, final level for Cade Cunningham to unlock to truly become a complete player. This next step, according to the former Lakers and Celtics point guard, involves mastering the art of game management, a sophisticated aspect of playmaking that goes beyond mere scoring and assists.
The veteran point guard explained, “If I can get a Cade to understand how to manage the game… I think he could become, you know, that one type of point guard. It’s only a couple of tweaks.” This pinpointed advice suggests that while Cunningham possesses the raw tools, refining his decision-making and flow control within a game is paramount for his ultimate ascent.
Furthermore, Rondo suggested that the presence of another superstar alongside Cunningham could significantly impact his statistical burden. He noted that if Cunningham had a fellow elite talent on his squad, he wouldn’t consistently need to shoulder the immense pressure of scoring 30 points per night, allowing him to focus more on game management and overall team play.
This expert NBA analysis from Rajon Rondo provides a clear roadmap for Cade Cunningham’s evolution. It’s not just about accumulating points, but about understanding the rhythm of the game, making optimal decisions under pressure, and ultimately leading his team more effectively. The future of the Detroit Pistons undoubtedly hinges on Cunningham embracing and implementing these critical insights from one of the game’s greatest minds.
