SAN FRANCISCO — A game-worn, signed Cade Cunningham jersey made its home this week at Draymond Green’s locker after a memorable face-off.
Green, originally from Saginaw, Mich., and a committed follower of the Detroit Pistons, had traded jerseys with the rising star following the Pistons’ recent 131-124 victory over the Warriors, just after facing a tough loss to the Phoenix Suns.
Although Green didn’t specifically guard Cunningham throughout the game, he confidently shared insights into Cunningham’s rapid development. As Cunningham earns his place among the league’s elite, the strategies to contain him are slipping through opposing teams’ fingers.
The young guard is demonstrating a profound understanding of the game, serving as the catalyst for Detroit’s resurgence. Each match unfolds more slowly for him, allowing him to direct the Pistons with greater clarity. At 35-12 so far, the team is firmly positioned at the forefront of the Eastern Conference and is poised for a deeper playoff run.
Green has recognized Cunningham’s progress, expressing a sincere pride in their encounters.
“At first, the strategy used to be, ‘Double-team him. He doesn’t pass,’” Green explained regarding Cunningham’s past play. “Now, the focus is on how well he’s setting up his teammates and looking to pass. Witnessing his growth and the strides he’s making is something I truly admire.”
Few understand the subtleties that transform an offensive player than Green, the 2017 Defensive Player of the Year and the backbone of the Warriors’ defense. In that encounter, Cunningham outperformed with 29 points on impressive shooting percentages—57.9% from the field, 50% from deep, and 83.3% from the line, along with 11 assists, four rebounds, and limited turnovers.
He prioritized involving his teammates early in the game, improving upon a slow start from the previous match against Phoenix. Golden State’s defense tried everything: they double-teamed him at every point. Steve Kerr switched up defenders multiple times.
Despite these tactics, Cunningham remained unfazed.
“This is something I’ve constantly worked on. I’ve encountered multiple defensive strategies,” Cunningham said, reflecting on his growing comfort with various matchups.
But alongside his comfort comes a keen tactical mind in identifying strengths and weaknesses in opposing defenses. So, what strategies does he employ to exploit these mismatches?
“I focus on recognizing who is willing to double-team me,” Cunningham articulated. “I evaluate who’s jumping out and then work to find the best play that leads to offensive opportunities.”
While completely understanding these dynamics is challenging, his height at 6-7 and weight at 220 pounds allows him to force defenders into difficult positions. Dillon Brooks, who shared time guarding him during their earlier matchup with the Suns, gave insight into his approach.
“He’s quick and athletic, consistently getting to the basket,” Brooks noted postgame. “We aimed to press him from the get-go, forcing him to use his dribbles, while staying physical to tire him out when it came time for his shots.”
Brooks managed to help limit Cunningham to 26 points in their last game, showing that defenses can contain him—but not for long. Across this trip, Cunningham demonstrated extraordinary skills, averaging 25.3 points, 9.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds despite shooting only 29.4% from three-point territory.
“He’s remarkable,” Kerr commented before Cunningham’s latest performance. “He reminds me of the likes of Luka (Dončić), James Harden—a one-man offensive force. His size and strength enable him to control plays, distributing the ball with precision. Detroit provides a significant physical front line, giving him plenty of options for lobs and pick-and-roll opportunities.”
“Cade is an extraordinary player who is finding his rhythm.”
The further he develops, the higher Detroit’s ambitions soar. How he reads defenses simplifies the game for him.
“He approaches the game as a student, possessing a remarkable IQ,” shared Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff. “He has an awareness that allows him to capitalize on situations in real-time, differentiating him from many players who fail to read the defenses accurately. Cade adapts swiftly, identifying opportunities and responding with aggressive play.”
At just 24, Cunningham continues to prove he can decipher defenses astutely. His talent and physicality, alongside his persistence, position him as a potential franchise cornerstone.
Cunningham is making waves far beyond basic statistics; his ability to engage defenses highlights his respect among peers. He currently sits atop the All-Star voting list in the East, showing recognition of his ascending spot in the league hierarchy.
“The Pistons have built a competitive team,” Green remarked. “Cade embraces challenges—he doesn’t back down. There was a time when they faced a 28-game losing streak with him on the roster, yet he held firm and worked through that difficulty—just like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Oklahoma City. Without complaint, he stood tall, remaining dedicated. Now look at him.”
“I truly see that same resilience in Cade Cunningham.”
