No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham on Friday was honored by some comparisons he has drawn to Hall of Famer and former Detroit Pistons legend Grant Hill.
Pistons general manager Troy Weaver said during the pre-draft process that he understands the comparisons to Hill. The two players are each similar in size and height and both play mostly the same type of style given their versatility.
In addition to Hill, some even believe Cunningham has the upside of Luka Doncic, and others view him as the most complete player entering the NBA since LeBron James. Just to even be mentioned along those players is an honor for Cunningham.
Hearing my name in sentences with guys like that, it’s surreal knowing that they are legends and some of the best guys to ever play the game. I think it gives me more confidence to know that Troy Weaver is the guy that knows basketball, so, for him to put a name like that besides my name, it gives me the confidence to know that I can get to that point and that’s something I can achieve at that level. I’m blessed to be in this position. I’m happy that the Pistons took me with this pick and I’m excited to contribute to what they got going on as much as I can.
Cunningham, who will turn 20 in September, averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.6 steals in 27 games with the Cowboys. He became the first player in program history to be named to the Associated Press All-American First Team.
Of course, the lofty comparisons to Hill and others certainly mean Cunningham has immense potential in the NBA. He still has plenty of room to grow to reach that level, but the Pistons could have themselves a perennial All-Star on their hands.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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