Cade Cunningham has ushered in a new era for the Detroit Pistons. He didn’t hit the ground running, but now that he has found his stride, the Pistons are well-positioned to have their most success since the Bad Boys II era.
Cunningham himself has become one of the more unique players, a blossoming star of his era. His skill set has garnered him comparisons to a former NBA star who was well on his way to becoming a Hall of Famer before fate intervened.
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Which Former NBA Star Was Cade Cunningham Compared to?
While speaking with “Ratings’ Landon Buford,” Cunningham discussed being compared to former Portland Trail Blazers star Brandon Roy. The comparison sincerely flattered the Pistons star.
“I mean, Brandon Roy, he was a legend in my eyes. He was special. Do it all, Both hands inside, outside game,” Cunningham told Buford. “So, I mean to be even compared, I feel honored. I would love to be compared to [him]. I think it’s a cool comparison. So, I definitely have tried to implement things from his game into mine.”
Per Buford, Roy himself said, “there are similarities” between his game and Cunningham’s.
Roy was a three-time NBA All-Star from 2008 to 2010, once finishing as high as ninth in the MVP voting in 2009, when he was at the peak of his powers. He also took the Trail Blazers to the playoffs three times from 2009 to 2011.
Unfortunately, Roy’s NBA career ended very prematurely, as persistent and worsening knee problems cut his prime short. He attempted a comeback with the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2011-12 season, but it was clear he was done.
While Roy’s career was short-lived, his talent was undeniable. He was definitely blossoming into a special player in the NBA before everything came crashing down unfairly. If Cunningham emulates Roy, he could become the player everyone had wished Roy had the chance to be.
It should also make the Pistons feel very comfortable about the future. As alluded to earlier, Roy was in the MVP conversation when he was at his peak and may have become even more involved in the conversation had he had the chance. If Cunningham proves to be the player Roy should have been, the Pistons are set for the next decade, and Cunningham should make plenty of All-NBA teams.