Rival Coach Praises Detroit Pistons Star Cade Cunningham

When the Detroit Pistons drafted Cade Cunningham first overall in 2021, they were looking to secure a pillar for the future of the franchise. After a promising rookie season, things went off the rails when he missed almost all of last year due to injury. Cunningham has managed to bounce back in a big way this season, and one coach in the Eastern Conference is taking notice.

Earlier this week, the Pistons faced off against the Atlanta Hawks. While Cunningham wasn’t in the lineup, Hawks coach Quin Snyder still praised the young guard for his unique skill set,

“Anytime you have that combination of size and skill, you’re a unique player,” Snyder said. “He’s a really, really good player, and that’s what you see when you watch him play, playing against him or watching him on tape.”

Synder also reflected on the situation Cunningham finds himself in this year. He touched on what an uphill battle it can be for young players who are forced to miss time with injury.

“We forget sometimes how young guys are when they first come into the league and what that means. When you miss a year due to injury, not only do you have to recover from the experience that a year can provide, but everything that goes along with that rehabilitation process.”

Cunningham has missed the last two games for the Pistons, but is still on track to play around 65 games this season. Despite being sidelined for the majority of last season, the former top pick is still developing at a good pace. Cunningham is currently posting career-highs in both points (22.7) and assists (7.5).

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