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NBA Legend Makes Major Statement on Pistons’ Cade Cunningham

Cade Cunningham earns some heavy praise from Kevin Garnett.
Feb 26, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA;  Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) defended by Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Feb 26, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) defended by Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

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It takes an NBA superstar to notice one, and the legendary Kevin Garnett claims that the Detroit Pistons have a guy in that tier of players in Cade Cunningham.

As the Pistons are working on putting together another strong week, the entire league is taking notice once again. As far as the analysts and former players go, Cunningham is generating a lot of love as his career-best season continues to move in a positive direction.

After a win against one of Garnett’s former teams, the Boston Celtics, on Wednesday, the former NBA superstar tossed plenty of praise Detroit’s way.

Cade Cunningha
Feb 23, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) protects the ball against Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) during the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images | Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

“You see what Detroit is doing? Cade is killing, dawg,” Garnett said on KG Certified. “They could’ve won a few and started coasting. They’re not coasting this year. They are trying to get to it. If you go into Detroit [expltive], they’ll pop your [expletive].”

“Straight up, because they got a superstar over there. They play hard and the boy is trying to… he’s on some, ‘I’m finna prove myself.’ He’s one of the ones that, I think people have him on the list, and you want to see how it grows. He’s growing at another rate, bro.”

Being a former No. 1 overall pick, Cunningham wasn’t in bust territory. However, he was often overlooked due to his team’s lack of success. Last season, Cunningham appeared in 62 games to average 23 points, eight assists, and four rebounds. The Pistons won just 14 games.

This season, it’s a totally different story. Cunningham is producing at a higher rate with 26 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds, but his team holds a 33-26 record, placing them sixth in the Eastern Conference after the All-Star break. Not only is he producing at an All-Star level, but he’s doing it while playing meaningful basketball.

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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia

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