Cade Cunningham: 2021 Scouting Report

Bio and Measurables:

Strengths: As a consensus top three pick, Cade Cunningham has shown that he should have no problem adjusting at the NBA level. Standing at 6-8 with an estimated 7-1 wingspan, Cunningham has the size and length to be a high level “point forward”. While his assist numbers may be deceiving, his size gives him the ability to see over defenders in the PNR and make the right passing decisions. His pass difficulty varied at Oklahoma State but he showed flashes of becoming an elite passer when defenses also have to focus on the other four players around him. Frequently having to pass out of double teams, traps and hedges Cunningham showed that he has the basketball IQ and temperament to make the right decision, most of the time. Additionally, his court vision does not end with his passing ability, it also aids in his ability to score the basketball. While he shot 43.8% from the floor overall, he converted 62% of his attempts at the rim, which does not factor in his dunk attempts in which he converted 7-9, and 40% of his shots from behind the arc. This is not only a testament to his size but also his offensive arsenal as a whole. As a 6-8 guard Cunningham will often face matchups that provide him an advantage in size and strength but the difference will be his ability to convert shots in the halfcourt set. During his time at Oklahoma State, Cunningham surprised as a three point shooter and also flashed good footwork in the post. This ability to shoot from deep, drive to the basket, take a midrange shot or even post up will not only help provide Cunningham with opportunities on the offensive end but allow his teammates to move off the ball and create catch and shoot opportunities. For everything he does on the offensive end of the floor he also has an unknown amount of defensive potential due to his size and length. While he showed flashes of being able to defend at the college level, the pace of the NBA could determine his ceiling as a defender. 

Areas of Improvement: On the surface of Cunningham’s resume, the largest red flag would be his turnovers per game. Averaging over four turnovers, his inability to take care of the basketball can be attributed to a few different areas of improvement. As a point forward, he dribbles the basketball more like a forward than a point guard. His looser handles make it easier for small quick guards to get inside and force a live ball turnover or disrupt him enough to force the ball out of his hands. In addition to his questionable ball handling, for as many good passes he completed during his time at Oklahoma state he also had a handful of off-balance and inaccurate passes. Cunningham needs to continue to improve in these areas if he wants to remain the primary ball handler at the next level. In an NBA where transition points and live ball turnovers are extremely detrimental to any team, especially a playoff team, he will need to work on tightening his handles and pass accuracy in the offseason. In addition to his pass accuracy and ball handling he is inherently not a “jump off the page athlete” which can lead to over dribbling and a lack of aggression on the offensive end. Sometimes struggling to create space from his defender Cunningham was the often caught charging to the basket in the halfcourt leading to an offensive foul. These fouls not only added to his total and forced him to sit longer than the planned rotation but also deterred him from being consistently aggressive on the offensive end. Defensively, while he has potential due to his size and length he will need to become a more consistent defender possession to possession. Due to his lack of lateral quickness and slow defensive footwork, he will need to continue to improve while navigating pick and roll situations. As the primary ball handler, he will need to be prepared to navigate over or under ball screens and stick with his defender. At the pace of the NBA his defense could take some time to adjust to the next level. 

External Factors: Oklahoma State was hit with NCAA violations before Cunningham stepped foot on the floor. With a chance to leave and salvage his season, uncertain of the NCAA penalties that would come, Cunningham instead said “Now more than ever, I’m loyal and true,”. This is an important mentality to have in the next stage of his career. As a future franchise cornerstone the loyalty he showed at the college level will be tested from day one in the NBA, with the increase in player empowerment Cunningham could help create a contender if he is committed to the team that drafts him long-term. 

Medical History: Cunningham tweaked his ankle during his only season in college. He returned from the injury and continued to play at an elite level with no sign that it would be a lingering issue. 

Summary: Overall, in my opinion, Cunningham should be the first pick. His size and skillset on the offensive end of the floor are too great to ignore. Standing at 6-8 he is able to be a floor general and three level offensive weapon all at the same time. Navigating the PNR as both an active passer and scorer is a valuable skill that will directly translate to NBA success. Even his areas of improvement are “fixable” in the NBA system and the reduced attention he should receive at the next level will help to lower his turnover rate. During the offseason, in training camp, and through his rookie year he should prioritize his ball handling and defensive decision making as areas of improvement. If he can improve even marginally in these areas he could go from perennial all-star to All-NBA over the next decade. If he is unable to improve in these areas and regresses on the offensive end due to the quicker pace of play and defense at the next level, he will still be a starter in the NBA but will not be the franchise cornerstone everyone was expecting. 

MIP Projection: #1 Overall