December 30, 2024 | Articles Homepage News The Pistons
Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores on Cade Cunningham: “He’s that guy”
LOS ANGELES, Ca.- Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores has always been clear that he views Pistons guard Cade Cunningham as a franchise cornerstone.
Now others are realizing it after Cunningham was recently named the NBA’s Eastern Conference Player of the Week.
On the very day the recognition was announced, Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons faced the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena where Mr. Gores sat courtside supporting the Pistons’ 117-114 win.
“I’m watching all our young men, they’re stepping it up and that’s what Pistons basketball is about; Cade is developing into a leader so I’m very proud of that,” Gores said at halftime.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft holds season averages of 24.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 9.7 assists and is shooting 44.7% from the field and 36.2% from 3-point range in 28 games. His 9.7 assists per game ranks third in the NBA and is the highest average by a Piston since Isiah Thomas (10.0, 1986-87). Cunningham is currently orchestrating the 22nd season in NBA history with 23.0 points, 9.0 assists and 6.0 rebounds. He is one of only 10 players in NBA history to hold career averages of 20.0 PTS, 6.0 AST and 5.0 REB.
The Eastern Conference Player of the Week honor came just a few days after the All-Star game voting process opened.
The voting process to determine the 24 NBA All-Stars will remain the same as previous years. The five players honored as starters in each conference will be selected by fans (50% of the vote), current NBA players (25%) and a media panel (25%). The seven players honored as reserves in each conference will be selected by NBA head coaches according to NBA.com.
Cunningham is pushing to make his first All-Star appearance this season, something Mr. Gores feels would be a deserved honor.
“Most people watching are just acknowledging Cade’s performance, but I’m not surprised at all,” Gores said of Cunningham’s play this season. “He’s always been this person that has this ability to step above everything else and this is an acknowledgement of that. “He’s that guy.”