"Depressing thing to go through" - Cade Cunningham makes feelings known about suffering through historic losing streak

The Detroit Pistons won just 14 games last season. Despite Cade Cunningham's best efforts, Monty Williams' team made infamous history.

They recorded the longest losing streak in NBA history, dropping 28 games in a row. To add insult to injury, that didn't get the No. 1 pick in the draft.

Against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden last December, they were up by 19 at halftime but lost in overtime.

“That game hurt to lose,” Cunningham said on Saturday, via The Athletic. “I think just the streak in general. A lot of long car rides home, a lot of quiet plane rides. That’s a depressing thing to go through. Every day going into the building and everybody just has this dark cloud over their heads. It was tough to play through, but it’s good to be on the other side of that.”

As tough as the losing streak was, Cunningham believes it may have been a blessing in disguise for him, as it only made him more confident about bouncing back and fulfilling his potential.

“The losing streak almost made me more sure (of myself) — as backwards as that might sound,” Cunningham said. “I pushed myself to the limit so many times during that streak that I realized I was built for it. I knew once I came out on top of it, I was going to shut all of that hate up.

“I always wanted to be in the NBA, and I never saw myself not being a star,” Cunningham said. “I wanted to be a star. I’m on track, and I’ve just got to continue to grow, continue to get better and continue to learn.”

Cunningham says he's getting better

Cade Cunningham's numbers have always been solid, but his availability and his team's lack of success have not helped his case.

He now knows he is getting the spotlight he deserves and it has everything to do with his work ethic.

“I’ve made some plays this year that I haven’t seen from myself in a long time,” Cunningham said. “I’ll watch a full game, and I’m like, ‘I was really hooping that game.’ I think it’s just the steady growth for me. I don’t really put a cap on myself as far as what I’m able to be. I just want to continue to get better.”

The Pistons have already won as many games as they did last season. They are 14-17 and ninth in the Eastern Conference. Cunningham is shining with averages of 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game.