Cade Cunningham was a big reason for the Detroit Pistons’ improved play in the month of January. The NBA is paying attention.
Cunningham was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for January. Cunningham averaged 17.3 points, 5.6 assists and 4.2 rebounds, leading all rookies in scoring, and was second overall in assists. Oklahoma City Thunder forward Josh Giddey won the honor in the Western Conference.
For the season, Cunningham is averaging 15.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.3 steals.
MORE: Pistons figuring out new rhythm with Jerami Grant, Kelly Olynyk back
January was the best month of Cunningham’s career so far. He had several big performances to help the Pistons finish the month with a 7-9 record after entering 2022 5-28. He included a 34-point, eight-rebound, eight-assist, four-block game against the Denver Nuggets, and a 19-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double during a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
[ Here’s how you can gain access to our most exclusive Pistons content. ]
Cunningham is the first Piston to earn Rookie of the Month honors in 12 years, and just the sixth in franchise history. He joined Jonas Jerebko (Feb. 2010), Željko Rebrača (April 2002), Grant Hill (Nov. 1994), Kelly Tripucka (Dec. 1981, March 1982) and Isiah Thomas (Nov. 1981).
Contact Omari Sankofa II at osankofa@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @omarisankofa. Read more on the Detroit Pistons and sign up for our Pistons newsletter.