Pistons fans should be proud of Cade Cunningham’s All-Star numbers, but also his style of play.

First and foremost, Cade is fucking incredible. There were actual, real-life people out there calling him a bust. Saying guys like Jalen Green clear Cade. Saying he can’t lead a franchise. I personally think he put these to rest and proved his worth when he single handedly pulled Detroit out of their monstrous losing streak last year, but if that didn’t do it for you, all he’s has done since the aforementioned horrendous season last year however, is average 25.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 9.5 assists and is 36.3% from three. 

No matter where you sit, however, he’s put all his haters to rest this season. But that’s not what I’m referring to as to why we should be thankful for Cade. 

What I’m referring to is the way in which Cade plays the game of basketball. *Puts on old man cap* Years ago, the NBA was fun to watch. Rivalries mattered. Fouls were hard and expected. Now? Guys like Trae Young dribble past half-court, throw the ball up and scream for the foul. Detroit has played Atlanta four times this year, and each time, I end up yelling at the TV because of Trae. The last time Detroit played Atlanta, I watched Young do this four possessions in a row. It was a strange combination of sad, embarrassing and infuriating. I was disgusted. 

I would say it’s because Trae is tiny in comparison to the other players out there, but Joel Embiid just did the same thing in Detroit a few weeks ago, and he’s massive. The amount of times Philly’s play call is ‘iso Embiid in the paint, let him throw the ball in the air (notice I didn’t say shoot because it can’t even be called a shot), fall to the ground and yell for a foul’ is terrible. Play like that is softer than babyshit and should annoy fans. 

But not our Cade. Cade plays the way basketball was meant to be played. Sure he attacks the rim and looks for a foul every now and again, as good players should. But he’s not 3-point shot foul hunting. He’s not intentionally throwing himself to the ground in the hopes the refs feel bad and call the foul. When the game is on the line, he’s looking to score, not scream for a foul.

No, our Cade plays the game respectfully. He penetrates the defense and finds open guys on the wings. He creates for himself and finishes in traffic. He takes what the defense gives him, improvises, and makes the best decision. And he was still an all-star, unlike Joel and before Trae Young was named. 

So be thankful, Detroit, that our Pistons’ fearless leader is a dawg that could not be easier to root for. Cade for MVP.