• Changing RCF's index page, please click on "Forums" to access the forums.

A Closer Look at Cade Cunningham

Do Not Sell My Personal Information

Steve_424

Hall-of-Famer
Joined
Mar 22, 2009
Messages
10,547
Reaction score
13,176
Points
123
I know we'll probably end up picking #5 :chuckle: , but let's think positive until then.

Here's a look at Cade Cunningham.

IMG_2005.jpg


ESPN
Strengths: Cade is a versatile forward that can play either the 3 or the 4. He is a natural wing that has a distinct ability to score the basketball. His toughness and athletic ability allow him to play some PF also when needed. As his skills continue to improve a move to shooting guard is not beyond the realm of possibility.
Weaknesses: Cade is a solid to good athlete. He gives effort defensively but can run into issues with elite athletes or wings with great size. His tenacity and competitiveness aid him in his efforts right now but if he doesn't continue to grow it could become a bigger issue moving forward.
Bottom Line: Cade is an elite prospect due to his solid size, skill and scoring ability. He has a high ceiling and should continue to be counted among the elite in his class given average progression.

Sports Illustrated
Cunningham, indisputably, has earned his spot as the early front-runner for the top spot in next year’s draft. Gifted with an unusual intuition for winning basketball and supplementing it with high-end positional size, versatility and playmaking vision, few high school players have innately made their teammates better in the way that Cunningham did. His undefeated team at Montverde Academy had plenty of talent, to be fair, but his unique strengths have translated in every setting to date. Cunningham will be fully tested at Oklahoma State, without a stacked supporting cast, but it’s also a strong platform to showcase exactly what makes him great. He’s made strides as a jump shooter over the past year, and has to keep improving. His biggest area for improvement will be finishing around the rim, as he doesn’t have a ton of athletic lift and sometimes struggles in traffic, albeit that hasn’t mattered much at lower levels. How much his individual scoring evolves will determine whether Cunningham projects to lead a franchise as its No. 1 player, or profiles better as a No. 2 alongside a more scoring-oriented star. But right now, he’s the top dog and a player who will fully warrant the hype. For what it’s worth, there hasn’t been a better high school point guard in a long time.

Yahoo Sports
Cunningham is a lethal guard with great size and a high basketball IQ. The 6-foot-8 point guard chose Oklahoma State over Kentucky, Florida and North Carolina. Cunningham can score at all three levels and is an elite passer in the open court. It could end up being a two-way race between Cunningham and Jalen Green for the top pick next year, but as things stand now, Cunningham is edging out Green as the top prospect.

HoopsHype
Scouts and executives are clamoring for Cade Cunningham, who likely beats out anyone in the upcoming draft class as the player widely considered the best prospect in the world. He is a constant triple-double threat who averaged 23.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game for the Texas Titans during Nike EYBL 17U appearances in 2019. The Naismith Prep Player of the Year has the unique combination of length, shooting and playmaking will make him the favorite to be selected at No. 1 overall in 2021.

NBADraftRoom.com
Cade Cunningham is trending up and is an early favorite to go no.1 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. 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 nearly 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. He plays like a smaller version of Ben Simmons, with excellent court vision, change of pace and body control, but he’s a much better shooter than Simmons. He’s got great body control, change of direction and elite BBIQ. 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. Cade is the ideal position-less basketball player who can play on or off the ball and guard 1-3.

NBADraft.net
Good size and length, especially for position with a 7’0.25 wingspan … Good athlete, gets to the rim and finishes above the rim with ease. Quick jump that he uses on both ends … Good scoring ability in the open floor as well as in the half-court. Can create shots against any defender at the high school level; shoots over the top of shorter defenders and drives on big men when on the perimeter. Slashes to the rim off the dribble going both left and right. Protects the ball on drives. Changes speed … Accurate around the rim and hits shots with either hand at various angles. Can score in the post and shows nice touch on jump hook … Can score in a variety of ways. Scoring stats: 9.3 ppg 53.8% FG% Nike EYBL 2018. 23.8 ppg (7th) 59.2% FG% Nike EYBL 2019. 11.7 ppg U19 World Cup 2019. Shot 48.7% FG% at the NBPA Top 100 in 2019 … Can shoot off the catch or dribble. High release point, doesn’t waste motion in his shot, and gets it off with just a little bit of space. Shot 35% 3PT% over the Nike EYBL in 2019 and made noticeable improvement over his senior year as a 3PT shooter … Good ball handler and can serve as a team’s primary at the point, makes plays for himself and others. Uses dribble moves in transition at full speed; using effective crossovers, in & outs, spins, etc. … Unselfish and high IQ. Very good court vision and passing ability. Makes crosscourt passes with either hand. Makes proper reads and decisions. Alert for cutters/alley-oop opportunities and knows where he’s passing before he receives the ball. Good timing on lead passes. Passes out of drives. Good pick & roll ball handler. Averaged 5.3 assists per game over the Nike EYBL in 2019. Finished 3rd with 5.7 assists per game at the U19 World Cup in 2019 … Good balance of playing aggressive and letting it come to him. Knows when to score and when to facilitate … Can play on or off the ball … Versatile defender, defending every position at the high school level and projects to guard different positions at the next levels. Positions himself well on the defensive end. Averaged 1.3 steals per game over the Nike EYBL in 2019. Averaged 1.4 steals per game at the U19 World Cup in 2019 … Good timing and blocks shots well for position. Averaged 1.2 blocks per game over the Nike EYBL in 2019. Averaged 0.9 blocks per game at the U19 World Cup in 2019 … Good rebounder for position. Averaged 7 rebounds per game over the Nike EYBL in 2019 … Strong build and physical profile. Plays physical and through contact. Draws fouls at a good rate. Shot a 4th most 7.6 free throws per game over the Nike EYBL in 2019 … Impacts the game in multiple areas and is still effective if he’s not scoring … High floor …

NBA Scout quoted by CBS Sports
“He’s the most gifted incoming freshman in college basketball next season,” Boone said. “The way he can score it, the way he can facilitate, he plays great defense, has a great IQ. I talked to a scout just recently who told me that Cade Cunningham would be the No. 1 draft pick in this year’s draft if he were eligible. He’s obviously not — he’s eligible for the 2021 NBA Draft — but you’re talking about an elite level talent who could make an impact at the NBA level next season who’s going to college, and I think Oklahoma State will obviously benefit from adding him to that roster.”


 
I know we'll probably end up picking #5 :chuckle: , but let's think positive until then.

Here's a look at Cade Cunningham.

IMG_2005.jpg


ESPN
Strengths: Cade is a versatile forward that can play either the 3 or the 4. He is a natural wing that has a distinct ability to score the basketball. His toughness and athletic ability allow him to play some PF also when needed. As his skills continue to improve a move to shooting guard is not beyond the realm of possibility.
Weaknesses: Cade is a solid to good athlete. He gives effort defensively but can run into issues with elite athletes or wings with great size. His tenacity and competitiveness aid him in his efforts right now but if he doesn't continue to grow it could become a bigger issue moving forward.
Bottom Line: Cade is an elite prospect due to his solid size, skill and scoring ability. He has a high ceiling and should continue to be counted among the elite in his class given average progression.

Sports Illustrated
Cunningham, indisputably, has earned his spot as the early front-runner for the top spot in next year’s draft. Gifted with an unusual intuition for winning basketball and supplementing it with high-end positional size, versatility and playmaking vision, few high school players have innately made their teammates better in the way that Cunningham did. His undefeated team at Montverde Academy had plenty of talent, to be fair, but his unique strengths have translated in every setting to date. Cunningham will be fully tested at Oklahoma State, without a stacked supporting cast, but it’s also a strong platform to showcase exactly what makes him great. He’s made strides as a jump shooter over the past year, and has to keep improving. His biggest area for improvement will be finishing around the rim, as he doesn’t have a ton of athletic lift and sometimes struggles in traffic, albeit that hasn’t mattered much at lower levels. How much his individual scoring evolves will determine whether Cunningham projects to lead a franchise as its No. 1 player, or profiles better as a No. 2 alongside a more scoring-oriented star. But right now, he’s the top dog and a player who will fully warrant the hype. For what it’s worth, there hasn’t been a better high school point guard in a long time.

Yahoo Sports
Cunningham is a lethal guard with great size and a high basketball IQ. The 6-foot-8 point guard chose Oklahoma State over Kentucky, Florida and North Carolina. Cunningham can score at all three levels and is an elite passer in the open court. It could end up being a two-way race between Cunningham and Jalen Green for the top pick next year, but as things stand now, Cunningham is edging out Green as the top prospect.

HoopsHype
Scouts and executives are clamoring for Cade Cunningham, who likely beats out anyone in the upcoming draft class as the player widely considered the best prospect in the world. He is a constant triple-double threat who averaged 23.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game for the Texas Titans during Nike EYBL 17U appearances in 2019. The Naismith Prep Player of the Year has the unique combination of length, shooting and playmaking will make him the favorite to be selected at No. 1 overall in 2021.

NBADraftRoom.com
Cade Cunningham is trending up and is an early favorite to go no.1 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. 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 nearly 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. He plays like a smaller version of Ben Simmons, with excellent court vision, change of pace and body control, but he’s a much better shooter than Simmons. He’s got great body control, change of direction and elite BBIQ. 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. Cade is the ideal position-less basketball player who can play on or off the ball and guard 1-3.

NBADraft.net
Good size and length, especially for position with a 7’0.25 wingspan … Good athlete, gets to the rim and finishes above the rim with ease. Quick jump that he uses on both ends … Good scoring ability in the open floor as well as in the half-court. Can create shots against any defender at the high school level; shoots over the top of shorter defenders and drives on big men when on the perimeter. Slashes to the rim off the dribble going both left and right. Protects the ball on drives. Changes speed … Accurate around the rim and hits shots with either hand at various angles. Can score in the post and shows nice touch on jump hook … Can score in a variety of ways. Scoring stats: 9.3 ppg 53.8% FG% Nike EYBL 2018. 23.8 ppg (7th) 59.2% FG% Nike EYBL 2019. 11.7 ppg U19 World Cup 2019. Shot 48.7% FG% at the NBPA Top 100 in 2019 … Can shoot off the catch or dribble. High release point, doesn’t waste motion in his shot, and gets it off with just a little bit of space. Shot 35% 3PT% over the Nike EYBL in 2019 and made noticeable improvement over his senior year as a 3PT shooter … Good ball handler and can serve as a team’s primary at the point, makes plays for himself and others. Uses dribble moves in transition at full speed; using effective crossovers, in & outs, spins, etc. … Unselfish and high IQ. Very good court vision and passing ability. Makes crosscourt passes with either hand. Makes proper reads and decisions. Alert for cutters/alley-oop opportunities and knows where he’s passing before he receives the ball. Good timing on lead passes. Passes out of drives. Good pick & roll ball handler. Averaged 5.3 assists per game over the Nike EYBL in 2019. Finished 3rd with 5.7 assists per game at the U19 World Cup in 2019 … Good balance of playing aggressive and letting it come to him. Knows when to score and when to facilitate … Can play on or off the ball … Versatile defender, defending every position at the high school level and projects to guard different positions at the next levels. Positions himself well on the defensive end. Averaged 1.3 steals per game over the Nike EYBL in 2019. Averaged 1.4 steals per game at the U19 World Cup in 2019 … Good timing and blocks shots well for position. Averaged 1.2 blocks per game over the Nike EYBL in 2019. Averaged 0.9 blocks per game at the U19 World Cup in 2019 … Good rebounder for position. Averaged 7 rebounds per game over the Nike EYBL in 2019 … Strong build and physical profile. Plays physical and through contact. Draws fouls at a good rate. Shot a 4th most 7.6 free throws per game over the Nike EYBL in 2019 … Impacts the game in multiple areas and is still effective if he’s not scoring … High floor …

NBA Scout quoted by CBS Sports
“He’s the most gifted incoming freshman in college basketball next season,” Boone said. “The way he can score it, the way he can facilitate, he plays great defense, has a great IQ. I talked to a scout just recently who told me that Cade Cunningham would be the No. 1 draft pick in this year’s draft if he were eligible. He’s obviously not — he’s eligible for the 2021 NBA Draft — but you’re talking about an elite level talent who could make an impact at the NBA level next season who’s going to college, and I think Oklahoma State will obviously benefit from adding him to that roster.”



So under control and effortless. Love his game
 
Gonna have to get these going for the wealth of 6’7”-6’9” wings in this draft + a few bugs with potential. I can see why the scouts are high in the potential of this draft class. Even at 5 we’d be sitting in a much better spot than we were in 2019 and 2020
 
21/10 tonight in his first game...he did have 5 turnovers but you can see the incredibly high upside.
 
Ben Simmons with a shot. Jaylen Green is better /chuckle.
 
Haven't had a chance to watch an OkSU game yet. Anyone know how his shot has come along? Because watching some of his high school tape, there were an over abundance of hit-the-bottom-corner-of-the-backboard, laughably bad shots. Granted this was like 2 years ago, so I would fully expect a player as good as him to improve, but you never know(See Simmons, Ben; Kidd-Gilchrist, Michael).
 
Haven't had a chance to watch an OkSU game yet. Anyone know how his shot has come along? Because watching some of his high school tape, there were an over abundance of hit-the-bottom-corner-of-the-backboard, laughably bad shots. Granted this was like 2 years ago, so I would fully expect a player as good as him to improve, but you never know(See Simmons, Ben; Kidd-Gilchrist, Michael).
I've been pleasantly encouraged by his shot and slightly underwhelmed with every other aspect of his game in the early goings of the college hoops season. Decent form and shooting with confidence.

Unpopular opinion, perhaps, but I think we need to pump the brakes on considering Cade the unquestioned No. 1 pick. Drafting solely based on high school performance would have had RJ Barrett, Harrison Barnes, and Perry Jones go No. 1 overall. From my evaluations early on, I have Jalen Johnson and Jalen Suggs in the same tier as him, and I haven't seen Kuminga or Jalen Green yet. The next tier of Scottie Barnes, Ziaire Williams, Evan Mobley, and BJ Boston (slow start, but hits some really impressive "wow" shots) isn't far behind.

More of an endorsement on how good this draft class is than an indictment on Cade. I'm eager to see more from him. What does he do at an elite level? Based on the Ben Simmons comparisons, I was expecting him to be better athletically (he seems weirdly slow) and to have really elite vision / playmaking ability (which I haven't seen yet, but in fairness, OK State doesn't have the strongest supporting cast).
 
I thought Perry Jones was the biggest miss in the 2012 draft. I remember how he was going to remake the Cavs if they didn't pick someone else. Oh well, guess we missed out on Eli's Universe.
 

Rubber Rim Job Podcast Video

Episode 3-13: "Backup Bash Brothers"

Rubber Rim Job Podcast Spotify

Episode 3:11: "Clipping Bucks."
Top