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

It was a franchise-changing move when the Detroit Pistons selected Cade Cunningham with the first overall selection in the 2021 NBA Draft. After a year in which the Pistons had a remarkable draft haul in 2020, the organization has now added a player who has the potential to become a superstar in the NBA. There's no doubt that the Pistons are on the right track when it comes to re-building their franchise.

After GM Troy Weaver took over the team last year, it was thought that the Pistons had a long way to go before they would be trending in the right direction. Now, it looks as if the Pistons have quickly added an assortment of young talent that can push this team forward quicker than most might have expected. It's easy to get excited about a young team coming together. Usually, it takes some time. Players have to get their feet wet and you have to hope that returners take the next step forward in their development. But is it crazy to think that the Pistons could make a "crazy" run at the Playoffs next year? Maybe to some. But if they can, it's going to be because of what Cade Cunningham brings to the table.

Why Cade Cunningham can make an impact as a Rookie

Detroit Pistons Introduce First NBA Draft First Overall Pick Cade Cunningham

After being one of the most hyped young prospects from the collegiate ranks in recent memory, Cade Cunningham now has his focus on the NBA. His first order of business will be making an impact right out of the gate with the Detroit Pistons. One of the advantages that Cade has going for him is his size. Not often do you find a primary ball-handler that is listed at 6'8". But it's not just his size, as Cunningham also has the quickness and length to keep up with smaller players. Let's take a look at how Cade Cunningham can help the Pistons potentially make a run towards the Playoffs. That being said, let's take a look at three reasons why Cade Cunningham can help the Detroit Pistons mount a playoff push in the upcoming season.

#3 Setting the Tone Defensively

Cade Cunningham should be a presence with his defensive ability

One of the most underrated parts of Cade Cunningham's game is his ability on the defensive side of the ball. For as much attention as he gets for his offensive game, Cunningham has the potential to turn into an All-NBA type of defender. He's got great length and size and understands how to put himself in the right position to succeed. Cunningham doesn't just stand out with on-the-ball defense, but he's also an intelligent team defender. With a starting lineup that features strong defensive assets like Isaiah Stewart, Jerami Grant and Saddiq Bey, the Pistons now have a gritty defensive core that can get after it on a nightly basis.

#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.