Steve Nash Praises Cade Cunningham’s Passing Mastery
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham is proving why he was the top overall draft pick, demonstrating exceptional playmaking skills that have impressed NBA legend Steve Nash. As the Pistons surge to the top of the Eastern Conference, Cunningham’s on-court vision has become a defining trait of his game.
“I actually want to give a nod to Cade’s passing,” Nash said. “We always knew he’s a playmaker who makes his teammates better, but I feel like he’s taken another step. He’s making early passes, late passes, short passes, long passes ahead, and even over-the-top corner passes. He’s got nearly every pass in his arsenal now, and it’s really impressive to watch him in such control.”
Through the first nine games of the season, Cunningham is averaging 25.6 points, 9.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 46.6% from the field. His ability to orchestrate the offense has played a major role in Detroit’s 7-2 start, a sharp turnaround from their 14-68 record in the 2023–24 season.
Detroit’s Strong Start
- Record: 7 wins, 2 losses
- Points per game: 25.6
- Assists per game: 9.7
- Rebounds per game: 4.8
- Field goal percentage: 46.6%
Cunningham’s calm tempo and court awareness have become essential to Detroit’s success, reflecting maturity beyond his years and echoing the qualities that Nash himself once exemplified.
Author’s Summary
Steve Nash highlighted Cade Cunningham’s remarkable growth as a passer, crediting his poise and precision as central to the Pistons’ strong opening to the season.