Cade Cunningham has gone to another level to start the 2025-26 NBA season. Cade is averaging 27.3 points and 9.9 assists per game for the Detroit Pistons, who are on an 11-game winning streak. He’s living up to expectations as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 draft.
Getting to pick first in the NBA Draft is not straightforward, as the introduction of the draft lottery has made it more complex. And while Cunningham has become synonymous with Detroit, he could easily have been drafted elsewhere. He recently revealed the one team he didn’t wish to go to, though.
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“Whenever the lottery was happening, and it started cutting down… It’s the final three. It’s Cleveland, Houston, and Detroit. I’m like, ‘Don’t let me go to Cleveland,’” Cade told Kevin Durant on a podcast. “I was a big Bron fan growing up, you know what I’m saying? But I’m not trying to go to Cleveland, bro.”
Detroit Pistons guard Javonte Green, guard Ausar Thompson, guard Cade Cunningham, and forward Duncan Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Cunningham also explained that he didn’t want the Houston Rockets to draft him as well. Although that denial had more to do with his upbringing. These are harsh words about the Cavs; it wouldn’t be surprising if he gets booed the next time they face off against the Pistons.
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Not that it will matter too much to Cade, nothing can bring down the vibe in Detroit the way things are going!
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