The Detroit Pistons are now 32-26 after defeating the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Clippers in back-to-back nights. Now sixth in the Eastern Conference standings, they’re firmly on the pathway to playoff contention. For anyone that watched them during their horrendous 2023-24 campaign, the turnaround is all but miraculous.
That being said, Pistons guard Dennis Schroder has been preaching the gospel of Cade Cunningham, who’s having an outstanding season. The face of the Pistons, Cunningham was given the keys to the franchise after being drafted first overall in 2021. For the first time, he’s not only healthy, but rolling on all cylinders. The Pistons’ turnaround hasn’t been solely because he’s blossoming into an MVP-caliber player. Nevertheless, it’s definitely a significant factor in their success.
So much so that Schroder recently compared him to Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, who many consider to be the best player ever.
Pistons’ Dennis Schroder Compares Team Leader To LeBron James
“He reminds me of Bron. I think he can do anything,” Schroder says.
Dennis Schröder said postgame he wasn’t sure if he’d seen a half like Cade Cunningham’s tonight. So I had to ask if he’s ever played with a player like Cunningham prior to being a Piston.
The first name he mentioned was LeBron.
“I played with Bron, I think he can do anything.” pic.twitter.com/WeYfa9AhdP
— Hunter Patterson (@HuntPatterson_) February 24, 2025
Schroder would then go on to explain the similarities between Cunningham and Lakers point guard Luka Doncic, lauding his playmaking ability. With that in mind, Cunningham’s shot-making is often highlighted, but his court vision and creative passing should be as well. In an era that’s seen point guards take on more of a scoring role, his dedication to dishing assists to his teammates is even more noteworthy.
Cade Cunningham just vibes with the ball…
Quick snatch behind into the quick lob pass 🥱
Duren takes care of the rest at the rim! pic.twitter.com/LVeB6GJECW
— NBA (@NBA) February 25, 2025
Nevertheless, what sets James and Doncic apart is their defense. Though Cunningham isn’t as much of a force at that end, he’s not considered a liability there either. In fact, he’s one of the better defensive players at his position, if not the league. Not only does he possess the size and strength to guard multiple positions, he has the lateral agility and technique.
FG% when guarded by Cade Cunningham:
0% = LeBron James
0% = Jaylen Brown
33% = Jayson Tatum
0% = Jalen Brunson
0% = LaMelo Ball
0% = Tyrese Haliburton
33% = Donovan Mitchell
33% = Darius GarlandTotal = 11% FG (4/35)
On-ball defense has been elite so far. pic.twitter.com/LIj3yzvwNp
— Pistons Jack (@pistons_jack) November 8, 2024
He isn’t freakishly explosive like James. However, Schroder’s comparison might not be far off the mark, at least from a skill standpoint. For his and the Pistons’ sake, one day he’ll be able to be compared to the four-time NBA champion and four-time NBA MVP for other reasons.
© Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
