Cade Cunningham was one of the best-regarded prospects in his age group in high school, and he was selected No. 1 in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. Jalen Green was a similarly highly-rated prospect, but he was ultimately selected No. 2 by the Houston Rockets.
After the Pistons’ 107-96 win over the Rockets last night, Cunningham discussed his years-old rivalry with Green in an appearance on ‘NBA on TNT.’
“I think it’s just exactly that – we want to compete against each other. They’ve always put us up against each other since high school, as far as who is better. I think we both enjoy being able to face each other and see who’s the best. I don’t think we need any of that (handshakes). We both know what it is.”
"They've always put us up against each other since high school" 😯
Cade shares his perspective on the competitive dynamic between him and Houston Rockets' Jalen Green 😤 pic.twitter.com/QvYzHUOrvo
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 22, 2025
Cunningham scored a game-high 32 points (12-22 FG), grabbed nine rebounds, and provided seven assists in the win over the No. 2-seeded Rockets, proving to everyone that they’re a Playoff threat in the East. Green scored 19 points (8-21 FG) in the loss and was clearly outshined by Cunningham.
The Pistons’ guard ended high school as the No. 1 prospect for most major recruiting portals, although he was No. 2 on ESPN. Their No. 1? Jalen Green. Cunningham played a season of NCAA basketball for the Oklahoma State Cowboys while Green played in the NBA G League for the Ignite.
The Pistons chose Cade over Green, a decision that is paying off this season after years of tanking and injury troubles for Cunningham. Cade is averaging 24.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 9.3 assists, expected to be named to his first All-Star game.
Green has shown improvement throughout his time in the NBA but hasn’t emerged as a bonafide No. 1 option yet. He’s averaging 21.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, being in inspired form for the last three weeks. However, his consistency is still amiss. He’s 22 years old, so there’s still a lot of room for growth.
Cade Cunningham Gunning For An All-Star Spot
The race for the All-Star game is intensifying as we head into the final days of voting with various first-time All-Stars around the NBA hoping to secure a spot. Cunningham is one of those players, speaking about the same on ‘NBA on TNT’ and sharing a message to people who haven’t voted him in just yet.
“Maybe they haven’t watched us play. I know we don’t have TV games right now, but if you do get the opportunity, get League Pass and check us out. I could audition for you there.”
“I think our team is playing at a higher level. We’re winning games, competing for the Playoffs, and that’s what everyone wanted from the Pistons this year. We wanted growth. Our team is doing better and better, and I’m trying to lead them.”
"Maybe they haven't watched us play" 🧐
Cade shares his thoughts on those who might not have voted for him yet to be an All-Star this year. 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/Bbr2F1gsc4
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 22, 2025
Cunningham is a worthy All-Star in my opinion and should make the game even with strong competition with guards like Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson, Darius Garland, Tyler Herro, Trae Young, and more.
The Pistons’ rise was not something anybody saw coming and Cunningham should get an All-Star nod as validation for the incredible turnaround he’s led the franchise on after setting the NBA’s longest losing streak last year.
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