Despite an attempt by some to create unwarranted drama, former Oklahoma State star Cade Cunningham will be the first pick of the 2021 NBA Draft to the Detroit Pistons.
Hours before the annual event is set to kick off in Brooklyn, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has learned that Detroit has made the decision to take the talented guard atop the draft.
This really shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. Cade Cunningham is seen as the consensus No. 1 prospect in the draft after an absolutely brilliant freshman season with the Cowboys.
The 6-foot-8 Cunningham averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting 40% from distance for the Cowboys a season ago. He’s an elite prospect and a future NBA All-Star at either guard position. Heck, Cunningham could end up becoming a better version of Ben Simmons as a potential point forward.
Cunningham now joins a young nucleus that includes 2020 first-round picks Killian Hayes, Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart with the rebuilding Pistons.
The focus now turns to what the Houston Rockets will do with the second selection in the draft. They had been attempting to move up to one for Cade Cunningham. Right now, it seems like wing Jalen Green will be the pick for Houston.