The Detroit Pistons are currently on an eight-game winning streak, their first since the 2007-08 season, showcasing how long it has been since the Pistons were in a state of prominence.
A large part of the success can be attributed to their All-Star Cade Cunningham. Cunningham has been amazing for the Pistons, elevating them into playoff contention (33-26, sixth in the East) with his stellar play.
Cunningham, who currently averages 25.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 9.5 assists on 45.9% from the field, will likely make a run at All-NBA accolades this year, and some people feel that he is reminiscent of a former Pistons legend.
Kendrick Perkins Compares Cade Cunningham to Grant Hill
ESPN analyst and former NBA Finals champion Kendrick Perkins is often opinionated. Whether right or wrong, Perkins is strong with his opinions and stands by what he says.
One opinion that Perkins says he caught some flack for was comparing Cunningham to the former Pistons legend Grant Hill. Perkins doubled down and expressed in detail why he feels like Cunningham reminds him of Hill.
“Cade Cunningham reminds me of Grant Hill. A healthy Grant Hill,” Perkins said. “This man is a young superstar on the rise. He checks all the boxes. He does it all.”
Cade Cunningham and the Pistons are firing on all cylinders right now.
Photographed for SLAM 238 in June 2022. pic.twitter.com/kVvKMMMPYF
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 27, 2025
“If you want the scoring, he’s going to give you buckets. If you want the dimes, he’s going to do that as well. And he plays with a chip on his shoulder. And he’s a great leader.”
A comparison chart was displayed during Perkins’ comments, which showed that through their first 192 career games, Cunningham and Hill have very similar numbers. Hill, through his first 192 career games, averaged 20.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, while Cunningham boasts averages of 21.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 7.3 assists.
While Perkins and his comparison initially received some pushback, the numbers show there is some merit to it.
How Far Can the Detroit Pistons Go?
After winning eight straight games, the Pistons have unprecedented momentum, the likes of which the team hasn’t experienced since their squad nearly two decades ago. With this helium, how far can this team go?
In addition to Cunningham’s stellar play, the Pistons also boast a roster that features veterans Malik Beasley, Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr., the recently acquired Dennis Schröder, Isaiah Stewart, as well as Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson.
Cade Cunningham vs Boston:
21 PTS
11 ASTAveraging 27+ PTS and 10+ AST this month. pic.twitter.com/l5LlDYXzpX
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 27, 2025
The Pistons are without guard Jaden Ivey, which could prove to be an issue come playoff time. Ivey was averaging 17.6 points before he went down for the season with an injury. The Pistons could use his scoring output to make a long playoff run.
Regardless of what happens going forward, the Pistons have shocked the world with their consistency and success. That success starts and ends with Cunningham.
