Cade Cunningham: The New Era of Pure Basketball
In today’s NBA, fans often find themselves frustrated with the state of the game. Complaints echo throughout the sports world:
- “This guy shoots too many 3s!”
- “This guy just foul baits!”
- “This guy doesn’t play to win!”
It seems like fans are yearning for a more traditional, “ethical” brand of basketball. A game that rewards skill and determination, not just the manipulation of the system or the reliance on long-range shots. Enter Cade Cunningham, a rising star who’s redefining the game in a way that 90s basketball fans can appreciate.
Cade Cunningham: A Throwback to the Fundamentals
Cunningham, the Detroit Pistons’ young phenom, is quickly becoming one of the NBA’s most captivating talents. But what really sets him apart from the league’s other superstars is his commitment to playing the game the “right” way — no flopping, no foul-hunting, just pure, unadulterated basketball.
Reddit user Guitarjack87 recently shed light on something that may have flown under the radar: Cade Cunningham has played 13 games in his career where he took 20 or more field goal attempts and did not take a single free throw attempt. At first glance, that may not sound all that impressive, but when you compare it to some of the league’s biggest names, it paints a telling picture.
Comparing the Elite
To understand just how rare this is, let’s take a look at the numbers.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the MVP front-runner, has had zero games with 20+ field goal attempts and zero free throw attempts in his career.
- James Harden and Luka Dončić have each had one such game.
- LeBron James has had seven.
- Steph Curry has had an impressive 23.
- Michael Jordan had 14.
What stands out about Cunningham’s numbers is not just that he’s been able to consistently score at an elite level, but that he’s done so without relying on drawing fouls or manipulating the game. His style of play is all about getting buckets the honest way. No flopping, no foul-baiting — just pure, hard-earned points.
The System: The “Cade Way”
While players like Harden, Luka, and SGA have become synonymous with drawing fouls and manipulating the rules to get to the free-throw line, Cunningham’s approach is refreshing in its simplicity. He’s a player who thrives within a system, but it’s a system that prioritizes skill and intelligence over seeking out cheap advantages.
When you watch Cade Cunningham, it’s clear that he’s focused on making shots, creating opportunities for his teammates, and playing a brand of basketball that’s reminiscent of the old-school NBA. It’s a style of play that’s all about making the game look easy, yet incredibly difficult for opponents to stop.
Cunningham’s shooting range is vast, his basketball IQ off the charts, and his composure under pressure is something you might expect from a seasoned veteran, not a young player still in the early stages of his career. He’s not relying on the free-throw line to bail him out or attempting to manipulate the rules — he’s simply putting the ball in the basket.
The Cade Way: A Resurgence of “Ethical” Basketball
In a time when the NBA seems dominated by free-throw fishing, excessive three-point shooting, and a heavy reliance on referees to influence the outcome of games, Cade Cunningham’s playstyle feels like a breath of fresh air. He’s bringing back an era of basketball where the focus is on earning your points through skill and determination. The game feels purer, more enjoyable, and — dare we say it — more ethical when it’s played the Cade way.
As the NBA continues to evolve, Cade Cunningham’s rise could signal the return of a new type of player who doesn’t just play the game to win but plays it with integrity. In a world where fans are constantly demanding a return to “real” basketball, Cade is doing just that: he’s bringing back buckets. And not just any buckets — pure, ethical buckets.
The Cade way is simple: get in the paint, make your shots, and leave the manipulation of the system to the others. It’s an approach that might just be the future of the NBA, where skill, hard work, and playing the game the right way still matter.
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