One former NBA star was irate about Cade Cunningham being nominated for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.
Cade Cunningham has had a brilliant season this year. He has been the best player on the Detroit Pistons in what has been a transformative campaign for them.
Cunningham, under the leadership of new Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, has taken another step as a player. He even earned his first All-Star nomination.
Zion Williamson praised Cunningham for being an All-NBA player. And with how Cunningham has played this year, it’s hard to argue with him.
Earlier today, Cunningham was named as a finalist for the Most Improved Player award. But one NBA legend couldn’t believe that he was in the conversation.
Jalen Rose questions Cade Cunningham as MIP
Speaking on NBA TV as the NBA awards finalists were announced, Jalen Rose went on a bit of a rant about Cade Cunningham’s selection.
He noted that Cunningham is a former first overall pick. As such, many expect Cunningham to be as good as he has been. Rather than being most improved, Cunningham has just taken a big leap.
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“From somebody that’s won the Most Improved Player, Cade Cunningham does not fall into this category. He falls into the category of taking the leap.”
“Like Anthony Edwards did, that’s the category he’s fallen into. Dyson Daniels has been fantastic. Zubac is my choice.”
Read More: Draymond Green makes bold prediction about Cade Cunningham and Detroit Pistons, ‘I’m gonna say it…’
Cunningham expected to be a star
Cade Cunningham was the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He was considered the unanimous first overall pick.
However, his development was a little slow, partly due to the poor quality of the Detroit Pistons over the years.
But Rose is absolutely correct. He isn’t even the first to make this point. In fact, JJ Redick and Draymond Green made the same point about Cunningham.
Many believe Cunningham is the favorite to win the award. But that doesn’t mean that he is the rightful winner, despite his immense talent.
