Cade Parker Cunningham is an American basketball player who plays for the Detroit Pistons in the NBA. Born on September 25, 2001, Cunningham's basketball journey began in his hometown of Arlington, Texas, where he attended Bowie High School.
He later transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida, where he broke out as a basketball prodigy. He quickly gained recognition as a consensus five-star recruit, standing out as one of the top players in the 2020 class.
Cunningham’s excellence didn't go unnoticed, as he was drafted first overall in 2021 by the Detroit Pistons. As a rookie, he made an immediate impact. As a 6'6" point guard, he showcased exceptional basketball IQ. He has an unique style of play which at first seems not-so-athletic, and slow, but it is deliberate and calculated. He has a knack for finding the right spots on the court and taking well-executed shots. Cunningham's rookie season had some standout moments that showed his potential.
Cunnigham became the youngest player in NBA history to achieve an impressive feat - recording at least 25 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists with five 3-pointers in a single game at just 20 years and 51 days old.
This accomplishment placed him ahead of notable names like LeBron James and Trae Young in the record books. As a rookie, he also had a game with 34 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, four blocks, and two steals, an achievement that only Michael Jordan had previously accomplished as a rookie.
For his rookie season, Cunningham averaged a remarkable 17.4 points, along with 5.6 assists and 5.5 rebounds, establishing himself as one of the 10 NBA players in history to maintain such impressive stats in their debut season.
This bright start to career was soon ruined in his second season as an injury sidelined him for the whole season. He only played 12 games in his second NBA season. Now in his third, he is considered a key part of the Detroit Pistons' future, alongside fellow rising star Jalen Duren.
Cade Cunningham Siblings
Cade Cunningham has one older brother named Cannen. His older brother Cannen is also a former professional basketball player. He played college ball with the Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he set a new school record for the most games played.
After playing for SMU Mustangs, Cannen ventured into the realm of professional basketball, spending a season playing in Poland. Subsequently, he transitioned into the coaching world, assuming the role of an assistant coach for Oklahoma State as the 2019–20 season commenced.
When Cade Cunningham was declared as a five-star basketball star across the United States, he received many offers from some of the most prestigious NCAA Division I programs, including Duke, Kentucky, and North Carolina. However, he decided to join Oklahoma State because his brother was an assistant coach on the team.
FAQs
A. Cade Cunningham is a point guard.
A. Cade Cunningham is 6'6" and weighs around 99 kg or 220 pounds.
A. Cade Cunningham plays for the Detroit Pistons.
A. Cade Cunningham was drafted first overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2021 NBA draft.
A. Cade Cunningham has one older brother named Cannen. Cannen is an assistant coach at Oklahoma State University.