Detroit Pistons rookie Cade Cunningham just wrapped up a strong showing in the Las Vegas Summer League and now has his sights set on facing the superstars of the NBA in the regular season.
Cunningham logged three appearances with the Pistons, averaging 18.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He wrapped up his time in summer league after posting his best game with 24 points and seven rebounds on 7-of-10 shooting from 3-point range.
The 19-year-old will now turn his focus toward training camp next month and the start of the regular season shortly after. He figures to enter the league with a target on his back as the No. 1 overall pick as he will surely have players going at him on a nightly basis.
Not only is Cunningham ready for those matchups, but he also can’t wait for them.
Cunningham sat down with Whistle Sports prior to the NBA draft and discussed some of his goals for next season and the players he wants to see on the court.
I want to see Giannis (Antetokounmpo) in person. I want to see LeBron (James), (Anthony Davis). I want to see all of those guys in person. It’s going to be crazy the first time I actually get to be able to go up and compete against them. I’m expecting the best defender. I’m hoping Kawhi (Leonard) guards me. I’m hoping all of them dudes guard me, for sure.
Cunningham recently called James the greatest player of all time so his first matchup against The King and the Los Angeles Lakers will likely be circled on the calendar. Then on down the list of superstar players, Cunningham will seemingly have a tough matchup every night.
Rookie players often say they look up to the likes of James and other superstars but, once it is time to play against them, their fandom goes away and they lock into the matchup.
Cunningham certainly sounds like a player ready to get to work.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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