Latest news with #CadeCunningham
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pistons Named Best Fit for Timberwolves' Free Agent Big Man
Pistons Named Best Fit for Timberwolves' Free Agent Big Man originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After seeing what Cade Cunningham did in the 2024-25 NBA season, the Detroit Pistons now understand the value of putting spacing around their rising superstar. Their desire for more has been noted by insiders across the league. Advertisement Marc Stein reported a while back: "The Pistons are among the teams with interest in [Minnesota] Timberwolves big man [Naz] Reid, league sources is known to covet a floor-spacing big man and, according to sources, is likewise said to hold interest in Indiana's Myles Turner." Stein is not the only man who believes there is a natural fit between the Timberwolves center and the Pistons. Bobby Marks of ESPN thought the same was true. Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Osentowski-USA TODAY Sports Marks tried to play matchmaker in his latest write-up for ESPN. The well-respected writer had the Pistons as one of the two best fits, alongside the Timberwolves, for the versatile big. Advertisement Marks projected Reid's next deal to be around three years, $57 million. The last year of the new contract includes a player option. "Because of the Timberwolves' finances and the majority of other teams with no more than $14.1 million to spend in free agency, Reid's next contract is difficult to project despite the former Sixth Man of the Year having his best season," Marks noted. He continued, "By declining the $15 million player option and signing a three-year, $57 million contract with the Timberwolves or a team that has cap space, Reid gets a slight increase in salary. More importantly, he has the option to extend or become a free agent in 2027." Marks explained how the Pistons can easily get themselves into the mix here. There would, however, be a price to pay for that. Advertisement "The Pistons, meanwhile, could create up to $17 million in cap space (or possibly more with a trade) but at the expense of free agents Tim Hardaway Jr., Dennis Schroder and Malik Beasley," Marks concluded. If Detroit is hell-bent on spacing the floor at the five spot, Reid is a great candidate to do that. However, to Marks' point, that will not come without sacrifice. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Jaden Ivey's strengths and weaknesses: Detroit Pistons player evaluations
A major crux of the Detroit Pistons' offseason plans is gauging what type of player Jaden Ivey can become. He started all but one of the games he played during his rookie season, then averaged fewer points, assists, rebounds, steals and minutes the following year in a role that fluctuated and left questions about his potential and fit. Advertisement In the 30 games Ivey played before fracturing his left fibula in 2024-25, he began answering questions with his play. The 23-year-old was on pace for career bests in points, field goal percentage, 3-point percentage and rebounds. The game was seemingly beginning to slow for Ivey, as he was playing with better pace to provide more offensive impact. His 3-point shooting, at 40.9 percent on 154 total attempts, was one area that improved, helping to make Detroit more dynamic. Although Ivey has a much smaller sample from 2024-25 than the rest of his teammates, let's look at where he was best and which areas of his game he can fine-tune. Similar to his backcourt running mate, Cade Cunningham, Ivey's highest percentage from behind the arc comes on catch-and-shoot 3s. Slotting Ivey back in along with Cunningham should immediately create more spacing for Cunningham, assuming Ivey can remain around 45.2 percent on catch-and-shoot triples. Opposing defenses would be forced to stay more attached to Ivey, which should allow Cunningham more room to create for himself and others. Although Cunningham shot significantly more, Ivey is a better 3-point shooter off the dribble. Ivey became more comfortable coming off screens and drilling 3s when defenders were in drop coverage. Given Ivey's speed, his 3-point shooting progression could eventually open his offensive game beyond what we have seen from him so far. Scoring downhill has been a skill for Ivey since before even making the NBA. But his knack for aggressively attacking the rim has only progressed. He converted roughly 60 percent of his attempts in the restricted area, and his simply getting into the restricted area can lead to spray 3s for his teammates. Opposing players are often cautious with closing out too closely because of Ivey's ability to blow by defenders. If his jumper continues to improve, defenders will be forced to decide between properly closing out and potentially being blown by or giving cushion and then perhaps giving up an easier look at a triple. Advertisement No matter how proficient Ivey becomes behind the arc, his instinctual downhill scoring capability will always keep defenders on their toes. During the early stages of Ivey's career, like most young players who have relied on their speed for the majority of their lives, it seemed as if he had only one speed. Though moving fast in the NBA has its advantages, there's a need for changes of pace. Ivey's speed last season almost seemed more potent than the prior two because he implemented more pace and learned how to slow down. Ivey's developing patience was obvious in pick-and-roll situations. Rather than barreling around screens at top speed looking to get to the rim or create for others, Ivey has become more nuanced in how he approaches pick-and-roll actions. Getting defenders on your hip in pick-and-rolls as the ballhandler, as Ivey did against Jared McCain, allowed Isaiah Stewart to roll and forced Andre Drummond to be on his heels as Ivey scooped in for a lefty layup. These plays still aren't consistent from Ivey, but look for the Pistons to put him in more pick-and-roll situations to encourage more growth in that department. There are clear limitations to Ivey's becoming a playmaker, given Cunningham averaged the second-most assists in the league last season. That said, the only time Ivey has averaged more than 4.0 assists per game was during his rookie season, when he was good for a career-best 5.2. Dating back to Ivey's days at Purdue, facilitating was never his strong suit. His career best in two seasons at the university was his sophomore year, when he averaged 3.2. Although Ivey has been gradually adding more pace and nuance to his game, there are still times when he can move a bit too fast, become out of control and create unforced errors. If Ivey can continue evolving as a better overall scorer, his assist numbers should naturally begin to increase as he draws more attention from defenses. Ivey could also alleviate Cunningham of some playmaking duties to allow Cunningham to further expand on his offensive game. Although Ivey's defensive rating was a career best, given his athletic gifts, it's simply not enough. He possesses all the physical tools necessary to be a high-level perimeter defender. In the majority of his matchups, Ivey is quicker and faster than the players he guards. The Purdue product is 6 feet 4 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, which allows him to play the passing lanes well. This isn't to say Ivey is Detroit's worst defender, but there is potential for Ivey to be so much more defensively. He has a quick-twitch type of athleticism that not many of his peers do. It's time Ivey takes a leap on the defensive side, similar to the one he took offensively last season.
New York Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Cade Cunningham's strengths and weaknesses: Detroit Pistons player evaluations
Cade Cunningham is roughly a month and a half removed from his best professional season. He posted career-high numbers across the board in 2024-25, was an All-Star, made an All-NBA team and had 10 total triple-doubles, including the postseason. Behind the accolades Cunningham racked up last season was the growth of his game in a multitude of ways. Let's examine what led to this level of production. And, in the name of offseason improvement, let's identify areas of Cunningham's game he can ameliorate. Advertisement • 50-of-84 (59.5 percent) on hook shots • 36-of-73 (49.3 percent) on fadeaway jumpers inside the 3-point line • 17-of-33 (51.5 percent) on non-layup bank shots • 16-of-27 (59.3 percent) on turnaround fadeaways I've written many times about Cunningham's effectiveness in the post and midrange, and these regular-season numbers drive home that point. He's listed at 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan and takes advantage of size disparities he faces against other guards who are matched up against him. Cade Cunningham jump hook — Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) April 12, 2025 By now, Cunningham and Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff are aware of the advantages when Cunningham operates out of the post. He often forces double-teams, which inevitably frees his teammates up for opportunities to create for themselves and others. When defenses don't converge, Cunningham, as shown above, has a knack for finding ways to score, whether it's hook shots, fadeaways or turnarounds. The more Detroit explores actions with Cunningham as the focal point from the post, the better. Look for Bickerstaff to build on this growing area of effectiveness and comfort for their franchise cornerstone. • 39.2 percent on 2.1 attempts per game Cunningham had his best season shooting from long range on his highest volume. While 35.6 percent overall is respectable for a lead guard, he was even better in catch-and-shoot situations from behind the arc. Catch-and-shoot 3s are more difficult for Cunningham to get a healthy diet of because of his role on this squad. He's usually initiating offense for Detroit, looking to find others in a position to score. Depending on how Jaden Ivey progresses as a playmaker, the Pistons could look to increase the volume of catch-and-shoot looks for Cunningham to see how much more his 3-point shooting can improve. Advertisement • Fifth in blocks per game for guards (0.8) Cunningham has averaged 0.6 blocks per game during his career, so blocking shots isn't a new strength for him. But 53 is his highest total in any season thus far. Cunningham also had a handful of timely, momentum-swinging blocks this season. Cade Cunningham had the game-winning bucket AND the game-winning block in a Pistons win over the Hawks😤 🎥 @SportsCenter — The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) November 9, 2024 While he may not become an All-Defensive team-level defender, he's becoming a formidable player on that side of the ball, particularly getting chase-down blocks or blocks from the weak side. Cunningham has the physical tools to be a successful defender beyond blocking shots, which we'll get to briefly. Of Cunningham's career-best 9.1 assists per game last season, 2.0 came by way of his big man, Jalen Duren. As a result, Cunningham dished a total of 129 assists to Duren. And as flashy as the lobs between the two can be, they seem to generate real jolts of energy for Detroit. Apart from the lobs, Cunningham and Duren have developed chemistry in pick-and-roll situations in general. Duren even began setting what have become known as 'Gortat screens' (in honor of Marcin Gortat) for Cunningham in the lane as the season progressed. The duo can, and likely will, continue exploring the limits of Duren's scoring capability, especially in these actions, moving forward. Duren took 546 field-goal attempts last regular season, with 478 coming less than five feet from the rim. Although it's a small sample size relative to his attempts within five feet, Duren was an efficient 32-of-65 between five and nine feet from the rim. Maybe next season, the Pistons can add a more consistent wrinkle in their offense for Cunningham to seek Duren out just a bit further from the rim to keep defenders honest. Advertisement • Second in the NBA in turnovers (4.4 average per game) behind only Trae Young It's no secret Cunningham must cut down on his turnovers. Although turnovers are inevitable, to a certain extent, because he's a lead guard, Cunningham turned the ball over too much last season. A decent portion of Cunningham's turnovers came as a result of his carelessness rather than defensive pressure. Still, he had a little more than a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. His assists can become even more valuable next season if they aren't being compromised by turnovers and the potential points they can lead to for opposing teams. The more Cunningham continues to tighten his handle and limit his turnovers, the easier life becomes for himself as a scorer and his teammates as he looks to create for them. • Defensive rating: 112.2 While Cunningham's defensive rating was the lowest it's been in his career, he has the physical tools to be a better, more consistent on-ball defender. He's showcased his ability to meet taller opposing players at the summit for blocks. Now, it's time for him to take that next step as a perimeter defender. Cunningham has showcased stretches of playing inspired on-ball defense, but he's yet to do so consistently. His footspeed and lateral quickness don't stand out in a league full of elite athletes, but with his size and athleticism, there's no reason he can't become a better defender overall. From being a better point-of-attack defender to fighting over screens, there's room for Cunningham to improve as an overall defender.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pistons Projected to Draft 'Terrific Rebounder' to Bolster Frontcourt
Pistons Projected to Draft 'Terrific Rebounder' to Bolster Frontcourt originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Detroit Pistons are coming off an impressive season that saw them go from being the worst team in the NBA to being a playoff team. Advertisement Of course, Detroit finished with the worst record in the NBA the prior two seasons before they were able to turn things around this year and make the playoffs as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. They were then able to battle it out with the New York Knicks in the first round and while they were eliminated in six games, they proved that Detroit basketball is officially back. Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham© Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Now the Pistons enter the offseason looking to build around their core of Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren. Detroit only holds one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel has them selecting Chinese center Hansen Yang with the 37th overall pick. Advertisement 'Yang is a terrific rebounder. He possesses great footwork in the low post, but he will need to work on his defensive awareness and positioning before contributing in a serious manner,' Siegel wrote. 'The Detroit Pistons can take a chance on Yang in this spot since they need to add more frontcourt depth.' Siegel makes a great point about the Pistons needing to upgrade their frontcourt depth this summer and Yang could end up being a perfect fit, especially after showing out at the NBA Draft Combine. This season in China, the 7-2 center averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting 55.4 % from the field and 22.6% from three. While Yang is still developing his scoring and defensive abilities, he has a chance to be a potential steal of the draft if he continues to develop his game, especially with him being only 19 years old. Advertisement Yang would bring much-needed size to the Pistons and he would also provide them with another solid defender, which was the staple of Detroit's game this season. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pistons Named Threat to Land Grizzlies Forward in Free Agency
Pistons Named Threat to Land Grizzlies Forward in Free Agency originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The NBA offseason is right around the corner and the Detroit Pistons are a team to monitor this summer as they try to upgrade their roster and build off their impressive season. Advertisement Detroit was able to finish sixth in the Eastern Conference this season and they gave the New York Knicks a fight in the first round before eventually falling in six games. Despite this, it was a successful season for the Pistons as they went from having the worst record in the NBA the prior two seasons to being a playoff team. Feb 12, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) and forward Ausar Thompson (9) chat against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center. © Matt Marton-Imagn Images Now Detroit has some key decisions to make this summer as they look to build around their core of Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren. Of course, the Pistons could elect to make a trade for another star this offseason or they could just look to upgrade their rotation via trades and in free agency. Advertisement One player who has been linked to the Pistons is Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Grizzlies and other teams believe that the Pistons could be a threat to pursue Aldama this offseason. Aldama is a restricted free agent, which means that Memphis could match any offer he receives, though they may be willing to move on from him this summer if another team offers him too large of a contract, which Detroit could do. Detroit could be a perfect landing spot for Aldama as he would give them another big man and scorer who would likely come off the bench behind Tobias Harris. USA: Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) reacts after a three-point basket during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum.© Petre Thomas-Imagn Images This season, the 24-year-old averaged 12.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 48.3% from the field and 36.8% from three-point range. Advertisement Aldama was able to improve his numbers again this season as he continues to develop his game, especially on the offensive side and he could be a key piece off the bench for Detroit if they elect to pursue him this summer. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
