Cade Cunningham Shai Gilgeous Alexander
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - OCTOBER 30: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons handles the ball while being defended by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on October 30, 2023 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
The incredible rise of Cade Cunningham sees him leading the Detroit Pistons to title contention faster than expected, and he spoke about fellow stars that cross the line. Cunningham’s recent interview with GQ saw him sharing more NBA opinions than fans are used to hearing from him. One bold statement came when Cunningham called out other superstars who negatively impacted the league via foul baiting.
Cunningham named foul baiting as the biggest problem in the NBA:
“The flopping is just too much. What do you do with your best players that do it? Three of the top 5,10 guys [in the NBA] are doing it constantly. You gon’ kick them out the game? You can’t hack them. It’s tough.
If I win a championship—when I win the championship—I’m going to want the same type [of whistle]. I want to be able to foul people and they can’t foul me! You have to ref the game for what you’re seeing, not reputations or any other stuff. It doesn’t get reffed that way.”
Cunningham both called out the other superstars around the league who rely on foul calls and referenced wanting the same whistle in the playoffs. New superstars around the league must figure out how to adjust with the NBA officiating favoring established top players.
Who Is Cade Cunningham Calling Out?
The NBA discourse about foul baiting sees a few names regularly emerging. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Jalen Brunson are three of the most popular stars in the league who get criticized for going after free throws all game.
Each of these superstars have figured out how to manipulate the game to their advantage since top names often get foul calls in their favor against less popular names. All three players are currently on title contenders and will likely stand in Cade’s way during his first real playoff run this season.
Cunningham could be referencing more players, but he made sure to list names currently in the top ten. Most superstars hunt for calls when the situation presents itself. However, the names in question have been called out by Jaylen Brown and other stars across the league before Cade even spoke.
Cunningham Has Tough Challenge Coming
The Pistons have raised all expectations from entering the season as a hopeful secondary East playoff team to arguably the favorite to make the NBA Finals. Detroit has a strong lead for the top seed and will likely have the best record in the East unless something drastic changes.
Cunningham must lead his team over Brunson’s Knicks and Joel Embiid’s Philadelphia 76ers, as two teams who benefit from officiating. Both West favorites are led by Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander to make it clear most good teams have at least one foul baiter.
Detroit will see a tough path towards fulling their potential as the best East team already. Cunningham has won over many NBA fans and will have a lot of them supporting the Pistons with these comments. A new superstar emerging and standing against foul baiting will always earn extra respect.