Cade Cunningham led the Detroit Pistons to the Eastern Conference playoffs last season and emerged as one of the NBA’s best players.
Cunningham averaged 26 points, six rebounds and nine assists during the regular season, helping the Pistons win 44 games.
Although Detroit lost to the New York Knicks in a hard-fought first-round playoff series, they still had a great season.
Cunningham and the Pistons continued to impress in two preseason games against the Memphis Grizzlies and Milwaukee Bucks.
The point guard totaled 46 points in 37 minutes, earning comparisons to Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic.
Chris Mannix recently named Cunningham one of his top 10 players in the NBA, and his feelings for Cunningham grew stronger after watching the Pistons in the preseason.
The 24-year-old was the best player on the floor against the Grizzlies and Bucks, so expectations are high heading into the new season.
Mannix compared Cunningham to Luka Doncic on his podcast with Evan Turner, even calling him the “Luka of the East.”
“There’s a Luka Doncic feel to his game,” he explained. “He doesn’t play with overwhelming speed, but once he gets you on his hip, it’s a wrap. If he can put you where he wants you, that’s it.”
“Last year was the year we saw him put it all together. I had some doubts about his toughness early in his career.
“He struggled with injuries early in his career, but watching him play from start to finish last year as a scorer, shooter and playmaker, he’s the Luka of the East. There’s no better comparison.”
Evan Turner agreed with Mannix’s take on Cunningham, adding that he’s gotten better physically and can play better defense.
“Emphasis on the ‘playmaker.’ He can score 25 or 30 points and then get 10 or 11 assists. He doesn’t turn it over too much.
“You can tell the coaches have a lot of faith in him. He really leads the team like a veteran. Once he gets going, he plays at a different pace.”
“If you compare him to Luka, he’s probably in a little better shape and takes a little more pride in his defense. But I never want to disrespect Luka because Luka has a goatee. You’re not crazy about that.”
But Cunningham will need to prove himself in the playoffs before receiving the same overall rating as Doncic.