Two-time NBA champion Rajon Rondo holds Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham in very high regard. Joining the crew of “Run It Back“, Rondo expressed a desire to mentor the young guard, praising Cunningham’s three-level scoring and playmaking potential. He said:
“If I can get Cade to understand how to manage the game. Because he’s a 3-level scorer, he can manipulate the game on both ends of the floor. So, if I can get my hands on a Cade Cunningham, I think he could become that one type of point guard.”
“It’s only a couple of tweaks, and then it’s also about personnel. If he has to be the man, if he has to get 30, that’s what he has to do. But then, if he had two more superstars in the game, he wouldn’t have to manage and go get 30 every night.”
Rondo’s appraisal of Cunningham offers a fresh perspective from a former elite playmaker. As a former No. 1 overall draft pick, the Pistons guard took his time to establish himself as a star, but the process has been worthwhile.
The star’s development has aligned with Rondo’s assessment. Coming off his fourth season, the guard showed a lot of promise for the future. Although he was hindered by injuries in previous campaigns, which limited his output, after playing 70 games last season, his true potential can be gauged.
With an average of 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game in the 2024-25 season, he displayed the extent of his current skill set. Having earned his first All-Star selection in the process, Cunningham has certainly grown in stature, both as a player and a leader.
While Rondo’s remarks paint an impressive image of the guard, they could indirectly pressure the Pistons’ front office as well.
A point guard who can do everything, while also shouldering the task of carrying the offensive load, may not necessarily enjoy success for very long. The sheer burden of carrying a team comes with certain risks as well, and considering Cunningham’s injury history, the Pistons would do well to avoid such an incident.
As constructed, the Pistons have some solid pieces on their roster. With two-way players such as Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson, along with sharpshooters like Duncan Robinson, Detroit has acquired and developed solid role players.
Unfortunately, the team lacks top-tier star power, and if rumors are to be believed, their one star-caliber player, Jaden Ivey, may also be on the trade block.
While this doesn’t necessarily have an impact on Cunningham’s production, it certainly affects how well the Pistons can perform in the upcoming season.
After making their first playoff appearance in years, even notching two wins in the first round against the Knicks, Detroit is ready to take the next step. But to do so, the franchise needs to surround its star with the right personnel.
If Rondo’s words are to be believed, the guard is very capable of doing whatever is asked of him. If only a few tweaks are what’s needed to realize his potential, Cunningham may be a superstar in the making.
