Cade Cunningham has been the ultimate silver lining in a miserable Detroit Pistons season. The reigning first overall pick has performed pretty well in his rookie season, averaging 15.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game.
Cunningham was a highly-touted prospect coming out of Oklahoma State. Although he isn't playing like a star right away, his future is bright and he gives hope to a Detroit team that is otherwise devoid of high-end young talent. For the time being, Cunningham told Jason Dumas of Bleacher Report that he has his eyes on the Rookie of the Year Award.
It's definitely a goal of mine. I feel like I am the best rookie. So winning that award would validate that to me and the world, but at the end of the day when I go and play a basketball game, I'm not thinking of Rookie of the Year trophies or anything like that. But it would be great to have when the time comes.
Cunningham's confidence in himself is to be expected. But his take that he is the best rookie this season is a pretty unpopular opinion. The Pistons' young stud has been good and is getting better over time. Still, he is not the most popular Rookie of the Year pick.
The consensus is that Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers has been the best newcomer this season. He is averaging 15.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists and playing at an All-Defense team level. The Cavs' young center has been consistently good all year on more efficient shooting numbers than Cunningham. His case seems much stronger than Cunningham, who should still be able to make the All-Rookie First Team.
With the Pistons' rebuild having no end in sight, the most important thing is Cunningham improving and thriving.
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