One former NBA star was infuriated by Kade Cunningham, who was nominated for the NBA Six Man of the Year Award.
Kade Cunningham had an incredible season this year. He was the best player with the Detroit Pistons, which was a transformative campaign for them.
Cunningham took another step as a player under the leadership of New Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff. He even won his first All-Star nomination.
Zion Williamson praised Cunningham for being an All-NBA player. And it’s hard to discuss with him how Cunningham played this year.
Today, Cunningham was named the Finalist of the Most Improved Player Award. However, one NBA legend couldn’t believe he was having a conversation.
Read more: The Denver Nuggets Star believes he deserves attention to the most improved player award, flipping his case
Speaking on NBA TV as the finalists for the NBA awards were announced, Jalen Rose ranted a bit about Cade Cunningham’s choice.
He pointed out that Cunningham was the original first overall pick. So many people expect Cunningham to be as good as ever. Cunningham has made a huge leap rather than being the most improved.
“From someone who has acquired the most improved player, Cade Cunningham doesn’t fall into this category. He falls into a category that makes a leap.”
“It’s the category he fell into, like Anthony Edwards did. Dyson Daniels was great. Zubac is my choice.”
Read more: Draymond Green makes bold predictions about Cade Cunningham and Detroit Pistons.
Cade Cunningham was the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He was considered the first overall pick of unanimity.
However, he has developed a little slower, in part due to the poor quality of the Detroit pistons over the years.
But Rose is absolutely right. He doesn’t even make this point first. In fact, JJ Redick and Draymond Green stated the same point about Cunningham.
Many believe that Cunningham is popular for winning awards. But that doesn’t mean he is a legitimate winner despite his immense talent.