Cade Cunningham

Draft Notes

Cade Cunningham is a clear favorite to go no.1 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. He had some ups and downs during his college career but his immense talents were on full display and it’s clear that he’ll benefit a lot from playing with NBA level players and the spacing of the NBA game.

As a big guard he’s able to control the pace of the game and is a very polished prospect for his age, showing maturity beyond his years. His court vision and decision making are elite and he’s got the handles and strength to get to his spots and manipulate the defense.

He’s not the most bouncy prospect you’ll ever see but he can play above the rim and has the strength to finish through contact. He’s got broad shoulders, good length with a 7-0+ wingspan and a solid NBA frame.

Cade is adept at scoring in the lane, from mid range and can hit the three point shot.

His style of play is reminiscent of Luka Doncic, with excellent court vision, change of pace and body control. His elite BBIQ and feel for the game, combined with his 6-8 frame make him a nightmare to defend.

He’s at his best breaking defenders down off the dribble and finding teammates and he’s got a knack for scoring in the lane. He’s lethal in pick and roll situations and just knows how to manipulate the defense. He’s also a deadly 3pt shooter who can hit the step-back and knows how to create space for his shot.

The one area that is lacking is elite speed and run/jump athleticism. He’s able to drive into the lane using his size and deft handles but he doesn’t have a blazing first step and has just average quickness.

Cade is the ideal position-less basketball player who can play on or off the ball and guard 1-3.

Why Cade should go no.1

Comparisons

• Luka Doncic lite
• a stronger Shaun Livingston (but with a better jumper)
• smaller Ben Simmons (but with a nice jumper)

Draft Projection

top 3 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft

2021 Point Guards

1. Cade Cunningham – 6-8 – Oklahoma St.
2. Jalen Suggs – 6-4 – Gonzaga
3. Josh Giddey – 6-8 – Australia
4. Davion Mitchell – 6-2 – Baylor
5. Jared Butler – 6-3 – Baylor
6. Tre Mann – 6-5 – Florida
7. Miles McBride – 6-2 – West Virginia
8. Nah’Shon Hyland – 6-3 – VCU
9. Sharife Cooper 6-0 – Auburn
10. Ayo Dosunmu – 6-5 – Illinois
11. Joel Ayayi – 6-5 – Gonzaga
12. Rokas Jokubaitis – 6-4 – Lithuania
13. Duane Washington Jr. – 6-3 – Ohio State
14. Dalano Banton – 6-9 – Nebraska
15. Daishon Nix – 6-4 – G League
16. David Johnson – 6-5 – Louisville
17. Jason Preston – 6-4 – Ohio
18. D.J. Carton – 6-1 – Marquette
19. Javonte Smart – 6-4 – LSU
20. Mac McClung – 6-2 – Texas Tech

2020

1. LaMelo Ball – 6-7 – USA
2. Tyrese Haliburton – 6-5 – Iowa State
3. Killian Hayes – 6-5 – France
4. Kira Lewis – 6-3 – Alabama
5. Tyrell Terry – 6-1 – Stanford
6. Cole Anthony – 6-2 – UNC
7. Grant Riller – 6-3 – Charleston
8. Theo Maledon – 6-5 – France
9. Malachi Flynn – 6-2 – San Diego St.
10. Devon Dotson – 6-2 – Kansas
11. Ty-Shon Alexander – 6-4 – Creighton
12. Nico Mannion – 6-2 – Arizona
13. Payton Pritchard – 6-2 – Oregon
14. Yam Madar – 6-3 – Israel
15. Abdoulaye N-Doye – 6-7 – France
16. Ashton Hagans – 6-3 – Kentucky
17. Cassius Winston – 6-1 – Michigan State
18. Tre Jones – 6-1 – Duke
19. Markus Howard – 5-11 – Marquette