If there is one thing about Kevin Garnett, it is that he does not dish out compliments easily. The former NBA Champion and Hall-of-Famer is as real as they come, and when he sees something worthy of admiration and respect, he shows it, unflinchingly. And recently, Garnett had a lot to say about Cade Cunningham, acknowledging his impact and leadership on the Detroit Pistons.
For Detroit Pistons fans, Cade Cunningham has been the ray of hope for a franchise loomed by the cloud of uncertainty. The team has long been desperate for a turnaround. After a tumultuous 2023-24 season that saw the team sink to their lowest with a league-worst 14-68 record, all inclusive of a 28-game losing streak.
However, this year the team has managed to clinch an eight-game winning run, their longest winning streak since the 2006-07 season – nearly 20 years! When asked, Cunningham explained his goal: “Restore this franchise is what we said a lot… The city wants championships. So, we’re slowly building toward that”, reiterating how his mindset is towards helping the team.
In the words of the former power forward Garnett, “They could’ve won a few and started coasting. They coasted last year. They were super coasted last year. They not coasting this year. They trynna get to it.” And a major part of the team’s cultural shift this season can very well be attributed to Cunningham’s presence.
Kevin Garnett also had some praise for the OSU alum while in conversation with Paul Peirce, which was shared on Instagram. He said,” They got a superstar out there… they play hard… the boy trynna… he on I’m finna prove myself. He another candidate for the Olympic team”, explaining how Cade is on a spirited mission to prove his mettle and help the team.
The Pistons’ #1 overall pick in the 2021 draft is undoubtedly one of the reasons why the Detroit-based team have improved so rapidly this season, making their way to the Eastern Conference playoff race as the number six seed. And Cade’s own season is a testament to how important he is on the roster.
Is Cade Cunningham beginning the revival for the Pistons?
Cade Cunningham, this season, has been averaging an impressive 25.7 points, 9.5 assists, and 6.3 rebounds per game. Cade has not only upped his own ante but also has managed to transform the Pistons to a legitimate playoff contender. As of now, thanks to the efforts of Cunningham, the Pistons now sit at a 32-26 tally, a massive leap from the previous season’s woes.
Aside from the stellar numbers he is putting up, Cade Cunningham’s ability to dictate the pace of the game has been the catalyst for change. The elite decision-making under pressure he possesses, and his unparalleled ability to become a playmaker for his teammates has made the Pistons a very cohesive unit. Cade has also stepped up in clutch moments, delivering awe-inspiring performances primarily as an offensive weapon. Cunningham has also improved his gameplay on the defensive end, making him one of the most complete young players imn the league.
In the words of Kevin Garnett, ““Man, Cade got that old-school mentality,” Garnett said. “He’s not just about highlight plays—he’s about winning. He’s making his teammates better, making the right reads, and playing at his own pace. That’s something you can’t teach.” Cade Cunningham has earned KG’s respect not just through his stats, but through his mindset, leadership, and impact on the floor. Now that the Pistons have a shot at ending their 15-year drought since their last playoffs victory, what are your thoughts? Will they make it?
The post “They Were Super Coasted”: Kevin Garnett Confirms Pistons’ Revival as Cade Cunningham Ends 15-Year Drought appeared first on EssentiallySports.