Cade Cunningham had the worst start imaginable to his NBA career. People have already written him off.
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The Detroit Pistons drafted Cade Cunningham with their pick, but he had a horrid start to his career. He was injured for the first 5 games of the season, and his debut saw him score two, with one shot on target. He ended the game with 12.5% shooting, the worst since Anthony Bennett for the Cavaliers.
There were reports of OKC offering Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the 6th pick of the 2021 draft in exchange for the 1st pick, which did not go through.
At this point it looks like it was a lucky stroke that it did not go through – Shai is a superstar in the making and Josh Giddey (drafted with that 6th pick) had a much better start to his career.
The key point here is – At this moment it looks like Cade is the wrong choice. That maybe the case, but Cade can definitely come good. He’s played 3 games, and people already have written him off.
If OKC would’ve traded SGA and Josh Giddey for Cade Cunningham, Detroit would’ve got the two best players in the trade.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) November 5, 2021
The late Kobe Bryant had 11 0-point games in his rookie season, and he ended his career as the then 3rd best scorer of all time. Calling him the biggest bust in almost a decade would be foolish to say the least.
18-year-old Kobe Bryant made his NBA debut 24 years ago today.
It was the first of 11 scoreless games during his rookie season. He finished his career with a 60-point performance & 33,643 career points (4th most in NBA history) 💜💛🐍 pic.twitter.com/OJl3QexfzL
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) November 3, 2020
Cade Cunningham will still come good – He was a star at the collegiate level
Not everyone is a MJ or a Shaq when they come into the league – there is always an adjustment period. Granted, Cade’s struggles have been enormous, and highly concerning for a number 1 pick, but there is a lifetime left to judge him.
OKC may have gone on a pick acquiring mania this off-season, but it is good that they kept Shai – He looks like he is the one to take them forward.
He’s a young PG who they can build the team around. He, in fact, led them to 2 wins over the Lakers this season. Cade also just had a career night, with 18 points and 10 rebounds in the loss to the 76ers. He still struggled shooting-wise, but the signs are there.
Don’t write off a rookie who has played 3 games professionally so far: He is there in the NBA for a reason. Even the last in rotation are better than the rest of us, such is the competition. Support him through his struggles, and watch his game grow with confidence.