The comparisons between Cade Cunningham and Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic are nothing new, and for the projected no. 1 pick of the 2021 NBA Draft, those assessments are not wrong.
Speaking to the media ahead of the July 29 NBA Draft, Cunningham talked about the NBA player comparisons he has heard and acknowledged the similarities his game has to the Mavs star's.
“I can see it,” Cunningham said, per Rod Beard of The Detroit News.
As Mike Schmitz of ESPN noted last February, both Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham are not explosive athletes, but they have both proven their ability to create for their teammates and break down defenses with their playmaking.
For what it's worth, Cade Cunnigham has admitted to watching a lot of Luka Doncic films. He also shared how impressed he is of the Mavs point guard and his ability to dominate despite the lack of speed and athleticism.
“Speed, athleticism is definitely a great quality to have, but Luka just knows how to play the game,” Cunningham told Schmitz. “He knows how to get you leaning one way, give you a move and get to his spots. Somebody that's tougher to guard than someone that's super athletic.”
Of course, Cunningham is no Doncic. The 19-year-old also has a lot to work on to be on the same level and stature as the Mavs superstar and playmaker. However, if there is one thing he's not lacking, it's the confidence that he is the best player in his class and that it can translate to the pro level.
It remains to be seen if Cunningham can live up to the comparisons, but that only makes him an intriguing watch come the 2021-22 season.
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