Perkins Ranks Cade Cunningham Among Top 10, Compares Him to Luka Doncic and LeBron James
The Detroit Pistons have made a remarkable start to the NBA season, boasting a record of 15-3, which places them at the top of the Eastern Conference. Their success in recent games, including a winning streak of 10 games, can be largely attributed to the impressive performance of Cade Cunningham.
Cade Cunningham’s Stellar Performance
Cunningham, aged 24, is making a strong case for himself as the franchise player for Detroit. The young guard is averaging approximately 27 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds per game. His ability to control the game has been evident, and his confidence is resonating throughout the team.
Recognition and Comparisons
Recently, NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins spoke highly of Cunningham on ESPN’s NBA segment. Perkins highlighted that Cunningham has evolved from an All-Star to being ranked among the top 10 players in the league. He stated, “Cade Cunningham is already a Top 10 player in the league. The ones that are ahead of him? They see him coming right now.” Perkins believes that Cunningham’s potential could lead him even higher in the league rankings.
Perkins further compared Cunningham’s playing style to that of NBA stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James, praising his ability to score from various positions while also facilitating plays for his teammates. As of now, he sits second in the league for assists, following Nikola Jokic.
Support from Former Coaches
Michael Malone, former head coach of the Denver Nuggets, echoed Perkins’ sentiments, referring to Cunningham’s performance as his best start in the NBA. “He’s having an MVP-caliber season,” stated Malone, who has seen the evolution of numerous players throughout his career.
Impact on the Pistons
If Cunningham maintains this level of performance, the Pistons could see significant improvement this season. His emergence as a star player has elevated not only his own game but also that of his teammates, leading to heightened expectations for the franchise.
Current Landscape in the Eastern Conference
- The Eastern Conference is currently open, with teams like the Celtics and Pacers struggling.
- The Knicks, who eliminated the Pistons last year, are under new leadership and do not pose as significant a threat this season.
Though a strong start does not guarantee a smooth season ahead, Detroit has demonstrated enough resilience and talent to validate the belief of their supporters. If this new standard holds true, the Pistons could very well be contenders for a deep playoff run, and perhaps a shot at the NBA Finals.
