3 ways in which #1 draft pick Cade Cunningham can help the Detroit Pistons make a playoff push in the 2021-22 NBA season

#2 Run the Offense Through Cade

While there's plenty of talk that last year's lottery selection Killian Hayes will be the primary ball-handler for the offense, it would be wise to let Cade Cunningham run the show. It's not an attempt to take away from Hayes' ability, but Cunningham is lethal with the ball in his hands. Not only can Cunningham create his own shot, but he's got a sensational feel for the game. While Cunningham only averaged 3.5 assists per game at Oklahoma State, it wasn't from a lack of looks for his teammates.

Cade does a great job of attacking weaknesses in the defense and he understands spacing and how to create open opportunities for his teammates. He's at his best when attacking and makes the defense play to his speed. What's rare for a point guard of his ability is the recognition of when to attack and when to slow up the tempo. Those are both checkmarks for Cade and that's something that can help a team succeed in a big way.

#1 Feed him the Rock

Cade Cunningham at the 2021 NBA Draft

When the Detroit Pistons drafted Cade Cunningham, they got one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the draft. It would seem a wise decision to feed him the ball as much as possible. Cunningham is a multi-level scorer who can extend the floor with his NBA range from the outside. What's even more dangerous about his game offensively is his patience. He has the recognition to know when he can exploit mismatches and he will take smaller opponents down in the post and get efficient shots. After averaging 20.1 points per game in college, Cunningham didn't miss a beat with his performance in Las Vegas at Summer League. He went on to average 18.7 points per game while shooting 42.9% from the field. If the Pistons want a chance to shock the NBA world this year, it's going to be because of the scoring ability that Cade Cunningham has in his developing arsenal.