Cade Cunningham Aiming To Bring Consistency On A Nightly Basis

Detroit Pistons rookie Cade Cunningham on Tuesday explained the biggest key for himself and the team is to bring consistency to the guard position on a nightly basis.

On Tuesday, Cunningham recorded 20 points, nine rebounds and five assists in a loss to the Washington Wizards. The performance marked his eighth game with at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists, the most by a Pistons rookie since Grant Hill (1994-95).

The outing demonstrated the consistency Cunningham wants.

I feel like, for me, just trying to be consistent so my team can have some consistency from the guard spot. I feel like that’ll be really big for us and our growth. It has been a challenge for me that I’ve been trying to take on. I’m having a lot of fun in this league. It is a lot of fun. I love what I’m doing.

Cunningham entered the NBA highly touted as a strong leader on the court, one that looks to get others involved. He often does so before looking to create for himself as the floor general, an area that the No. 1 pick takes great pride in.

He is often the player initiating the offense for the Pistons and has shown great instincts throughout the season. Of course, there have been some learning moments as well, but Cunningham knows the importance of properly setting up the team on offense.

Anytime my teammates are going, it opens up the court for me. I take pride in being able to open up the court for my teammates so I feel like those things work hand in hand. I got Jerami Grant, Saddiq (Bey), Hami (Diallo) — we have guys that can really put the ball in the rim. For me, it’s just about setting the table, making sure I got guys in the right spots and make sure our offense is moving and that is something I’ve been trying to get better at each and every game.

The Pistons have spent much of the past couple of seasons in a rebuilding state. They have given their younger players the opportunities to play through mistakes, something that has helped them develop. The results on the court haven’t yet shown, but the players have shown growth.

The 20-year-old has dazzled, giving the organization and its fans one bright spot throughout the down year. On Jan. 25, Cunningham joined Michael Jordan as the only two rookies in NBA history to record at least 30 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and four blocks in a game.

Certainly, Cunningham has shown plenty of promise this season, and the franchise cornerstone wants it to be known that the future is bright in the Motor City.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!