“We want Cade! We want Cade! We want Cade!”
That was the chant that was heard earlier in the week at Comerica Park as fans of the Detroit Pistons continue to count down the days until the 2021 NBA Draft.
Though there have been reports that the Pistons are considering all options, it seems like taking No. 1 prospect Cade Cunningham out of Oklahoma State is a no brainer.
On Friday, Cunningham was in Detroit to meet with the Pistons and when he finished, he spoke to reporters about the ovation he received at Comerica Park and how he feels about potentially playing in the Motor City.
Here are some of the highlights of what Cunningham had to say.
Asked Cade Cunningham what he learned about the Pistons during his visit: "The organization has a lot of great people within it. Starts with the owners. Troy Weaver is a great GM. I learned a lot on my visit. If they take me, I'll be happy to be there."
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) July 23, 2021
Cunningham said he started thinking about being the best basketball player is when he stopped playing football, around 9th grade.
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) July 23, 2021
Cunningham on his passing: "I take a lot of pride. Anytime I watch basketball or a player, that shows how much they know the game. … It's a huge skill. I'm only going to try and get better at it."
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) July 23, 2021
Cade said Dirk is the player who made him fall in love with basketball. "Coming from Dallas, he's the biggest thing we had in basketball."
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) July 23, 2021
Cunningham on having a daughter and maturing: "A teen father, that's definitely going to make you grow up quick. Having the dreams I had, I knew that was something I had to lock in on. My daughter comes before basketball, before anything."
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) July 23, 2021
Cunnigham on Comerica Park cheering: "They showed a lot of love. That type of stuff means a lot. I remember dreaming of being a top guy. … That type of stuff still gives me the chills. I'm appreciative of it."
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) July 23, 2021
Cunningham: "I wanted to meet with the team that had the No. 1 pick because I feel I'm the No. 1 pick. If the Rockets get the No. 1 pick, I'd meet with them if there is enough time."
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) July 23, 2021
Cunningham on who he compares his game to: "There are a lot of guys who are bigger playmakers, primary ballhandlers. It's hard for me. I don't like comparing myself to people around my age. We are about to play each other."
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) July 23, 2021
Cunningham said he thinks he can be impactful in any role asked of him. "When I go into training camp, I'm going to go in and play my game, be me."
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) July 23, 2021
Cunningham on this draft class: "I've been saying for a long time that we have one of the best classes in a long time … we've been pushing each other throughout. Whenever I've seen those guys, we've pushed each other."
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) July 23, 2021
Cunningham on learning about Detroit: "I love Detroit. I've already been listening to Detroit music well before the lottery. I was already hipped to the culture in Detroit. If Detroit picks me, I'm going to try and embody the swag people of Detroit, Michigan walk with."
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) July 23, 2021
