Detroit Pistons rookie Cade Cunningham believes he has shown enough to be the Rookie of the Year. While he downplayed it's importance in the bigger picture, that doesn't mean he doesn't want it–let alone deserve it.

In a recent interview, Cunningham shared that its a “misinterpretation” for some if they don't see him as the Rookie of the Year. After all, he has the numbers to back it up, and his impact on the Pistons–despite the team's struggles for much of the campaign–is clear.

“I feel like I’m the Rookie of the Year. I think that’s a misinterpretation that I’m not,” Cunningham said, per Sports Illustrated.

Cade Cunningham is currently leading all rookies in points per game with 17.2. He's also fifth in rebounds with 5.7 and second in assists with 5.6. In comparison, Cleveland Cavaliers rising star and current Rookie of the Year favorite Evan Mobley is fifth in points among all rookies with 15.0, as well as no. 1 in rebounds (8.3) and 10th in assists (2.6).

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Scottie Barnes, like the Pistons youngster, is in the Top 5 in all three categories. But the Toronto Raptors freshman is third in points (15.4) and rebounds (7.6) and fourth in assists (3.5). Barnes is largely considered another contender for the award, thanks in large part to his consistency all season long.

The only knock on Cunningham's ROY case is his slow start to the season. He had a delayed debut after an ankle injury in training camp, and it resulted to a less than ideal start for him.

Of course he has since turn things around. However, it remains to be seen if it is enough to command the votes against the likes of Mobley and Barnes.