The Detroit Pistons are one of the better stories in basketball this season.
After finishing in last place in the Eastern Conference a season ago, the Pistons completely turned things around this season.
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After firing Monty Williams after just one season despite giving him a hefty contract, they brought in former Cleveland Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
With the help of Bickerstaff, the Pistons improved by 30 wins and made the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2019.
Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Carmelo Anthony has offer for Cade Cunningham
Cade Cunningham was the driving force behind Detroit’s turnaround on the court.
He averaged 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 9.1 assists on his way to being named a finalist for the Most Improved Player of the Year award.
With the turnaround, Bickerstaff was also named a finalist for the Coach of the Year award.
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Cunningham is a tall guard who uses his strength and athleticism to his advantage both when attacking the rim and fighting for rebounds.
Former NBA great Carmelo Anthony has been impressed with Cunningham and thinks there’s even more potential to tap into with certain aspects of his game.
“I always said I wanted to work with Cade,” Anthony said. “I don’t know if he heard that or not. Even seeing him [Tuesday] night, he got everything. You get one to two things, good riddance.
He’s a 6-foot-6 point guard. I see him starting to get down there in the post. Not as much, but he’s starting to get down there.”
Anthony was a great scorer in his day. He was a 10-time All-Star during his career and won a scoring title in 2012-13.
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It’s great to see Anthony’s admiration for Cunningham’s game despite the fact the Pistons are facing Anthony’s former team in the NBA Playoffs.
The Pistons host the Knicks for Game 3 Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.
