The Detroit Pistons were one of the biggest surprises of last season as they made it to the playoffs after a disastrous 2023-24 campaign.
Led by Cade Cunningham, the Detroit Pistons showed grit and resilience to make it to the playoffs as a top six seed.
They faced the New York Knicks in the first round and although they lost there, the Pistons showed the world what they could do in the coming years.
One of the key players for them in their brilliant season was Tim Hardaway Jr., who moved to the Denver Nuggets in free agency.
However, he has given praise to the Pistons and especially one of the star players on the team for his maturity.
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesHardaway Jr. lauds Cade Cunningham for his maturity in leading the Detroit Pistons
Cunningham had a breakout campaign last year as he averaged 26.1 PPG, 9.1 APG and 6.1 RPG, while also making the All-Star and All-NBA team.
He led the way from the front, and his performances helped him earn praise from analysts and current players, including Draymond Green.
Hardaway Jr. had a stellar season playing alongside Cunningham, and on his recent podcast appearance, gave the young star flowers for his performances.
He said: “I think he’s way more mature than his age. His mindset, the way he takes care of his body, the way he goes out there and works on his craft feels like he’s been in the league for over a decade.
“He does an incredible job of playing at his pace. Really doesn’t have any weaknesses. Three level scorer, would dunk on you if he has to, can play both ends of the floor which is somewhat rare in the league.
Hardaway Jr. pointed out Cunningham’s ability to guard the opposition team’s best player throughout the night, and how he takes up challenges from coaches to do the same.
“You have some star player that will play defense, but like it’s like very rare star players take the challenge of guarding other team’s best player throughout the whole entire night,” he added.
Hardaway Jr. speaks highly on Isaiah Stewart
Isaiah Stewart is a player who divides the NBA community.
While his teammates love him for his contributions, the opposition do not enjoy the constant chaos and picking of fights Stewart brings to the game.
He has been involved in multiple scuffles throughout his career, including the infamous incident against LeBron James in 2021.
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
But Hardaway Jr. revealed that despite all the toughness on the court, Stewart was a lovely person outside the game.
“Isaiah Stewart is probably one of the best teammates I’ve ever had man.
“He has the heart of gold, wouldn’t hurt a fly, but when he steps in between the lines, I don’t know what triggers him or what happens, but he becomes something you can’t really teach,” he said.
The former Pistons player then went on to speak about how Stewart’s mentality helped the team as a whole.
Hardaway Jr. added: “That right there, that type of attitude and that type of energy he brought it kind of molded what the Pistons were about back in the day and it gave us the energy to go out there and do whatever to win, but Stew man, he’s a good dude, a really good dude.”