Cade Cunningham will be wearing jersey No. 2 with the Detroit Pistons even though it has been retired for coaching legend Chuck Daly. However, the 2021 top pick has a good reason for doing so.

For one, he wants to continue honoring Daly and the legacy he has built with the franchise. After all, he won two titles with the Pistons franchise and is still the winningest coach in the history of the team.

Simply put, Cunningham wants to carry that responsibility and show the Pistons he can be the savior they need after years of mediocrity and failed playoff bids.

Article Continues Below
More Detroit Pistons News
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) shoots the ball while Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Pistons rumors: Myles Turner, Naz Reid on radar, but there’s a catchPreston Byers ·
Kristaps Porzingis photoshopped in Magic jersey. Include his jersey number.
Magic offseason trade proposal for Kristaps Porzingis as Celtics get finances in checkBailey Bassett ·
Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) and Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) on the court during the game at Toyota Center.
Ausar, Amen Thompson considering Jamaica in Olympics, FIBA moveRichard Pereira ·
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) celebrates after scoring in the third quarter against the New York Knicks during game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Pistons’ Cade Cunningham eligible for $269 million deal after All-NBA selectionRichard Pereira ·
Cade Cunningham at LCA, NBA logo, with dollar sign emojis around
The $45 million reason Pistons’ Cade Cunningham is smiling after All-NBA selectionEric Vincent ·
Malik Beasley
Malik Beasley vacations with girlfriend amid Larsa Pippen admissionAutumn Hawkins ·

“I know how much those numbers mean up there,” Cunningham said before revealing he asked permission from Daly's family to use the number, per SB Nation. “I want to wear that No. 2 with respect. Mr. Chuck Daly, a legend forever and I don’t want that name to ever die. I want to restore what he built.”

The Pistons have made the playoffs just twice in the past 12 seasons. The last time they were in the NBA Finals was back in the 2004-05 season when they lost to the San Antonio Spurs. They last won the NBA title the season prior, during which a gritty group led by Chauncey Billups, Tayshaun Prince, Ben Wallace, Richard Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace destroyed the Los Angeles Lakers.

Cade Cunningham has a big task waiting for him, and he only increased the expectations with his jersey of choice. However, it sure looks like the No. 1 pick is confident he can live up to all the expectations,