“He is not a one-dimensional or one-way player.”
While much has been made about Cade Cunningham’s offensive performance, coach J.B. Bickerstaff speaks on the production the All-NBA guard has given the #Pistons on the defensive end this postseason.
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Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff provided high praise to star guard Cade Cunningham in an interview with the media on Thursday.
After getting dealt a costly setback ahead of the NBA Playoffs, Detroit Pistons superstar Cade Cunningham defied all odds. He returned to the court just before the postseason and has come up big for the Pistons so far.
Less than two months ago, Cunningham was diagnosed with a collapsed left lung that kept him out for 11 straight games. This hasn’t stopped the 24-year-old from returning to the team for the postseason and being the same player that head coach J.B. Bickerstaff on the Pistons can rely on.
Despite having to wear a protective flak jacket underneath his uniform to protect the injured lungs, Cunningham has been nothing but special for Detroit so far this postseason.
Ahead of the Pistons Game 2 contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round, Detroit head coach J.B. Bickerstaff gave high praise to Cade Cunningham.
“He (Cade Cunningham) is not a one-dimensional or one-way player. I think he’s one of the top 10 two-way players in our league,” the Pistons head coach said. “You look at his steals, the moments where he gets big blocks for us. His willingness to take on challenges, defend multiple positions, and other teams’ superstars. He runs from nothing, and he’s done it all year for us.”
“He is not a one-dimensional or one-way player.”
While much has been made about Cade Cunningham’s offensive performance, coach J.B. Bickerstaff speaks on the production the All-NBA guard has given the #Pistons on the defensive end this postseason.
Cunningham, who was drafted No. 1 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft out of Oklahoma State, has developed into a standout talent over the past two seasons.
Detroit wasn’t considered a contender just two seasons ago. In 2023-24, the Pistons finished last in the Eastern Conference with a 14-68 record.
Cunningham, with more experience and maturity, took matters into his own hands. The following season, 2024-25, the Pistons improved to 44-38 and entered the postseason as the No. 6 seed in the East. In 70 games, Cunningham improved his averages to 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game. Detroit later lost to the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Fast forward to now, the Pistons were able to squeeze past the Orlando Magic in a seven-game series. They now look to take out a Donovan Mitchell and James Harden-led Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round.
Cade Cunningham may not be playing at 100% while still dealing with the collapsed lung suffered on March 17, Cade Cunningham has still maintained a superstar level in the postseason.
In a tight-knit first-round series against the Orlando Magic, Cunningham put up averages of 32.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists while averaging 40.3 minutes per game. His ability to get to the free-throw line is impressive as well, hitting 83.8% of his attempts from the charity stripe.
As his head coach said, Cunningham has been difficult for opposing teams to deal with on defense as well. He went from guarding Desmond Bane beyond the three-point line to contesting shots from a much bigger Paolo Banchero.
In a come-from-behind victory in Game 6, Cunningham came up big on defense, finishing with one block and four steals in the win.
Cunningham continued this success into Game 1 of the second round. While playing in all but six minutes of the 111-101 victory over the Cavaliers, the star guard finished with 23 points, three rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. Detroit hopes that he can improve from shooting 6-for-19 from the field in Game 2.
The Pistons hope to continue this success as they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 on Thursday night.
Toran Flores is a sports reporter located in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He's covered news in the NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, and college sports. His work has been featured on platforms like FanSided, Athlon Sports, The Sporting News, Lakers All Day Everyday, and others. In his free time, Toran enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active, and traveling. More about Toran Flores
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