NBA Power Rankings: Tiering all 30 projected starting point guards for 2023-24

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving (Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving (Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)
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Cade Cunningham
Cade Cunningham (Allison Farrand-USA TODAY Sports)

17. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

If the Detroit Pistons are going to take a big step forward this season, a big part of that will have to be Cade Cunningham. And one of the bigger critiques for him at this point in his career is the fact that he needs to stay healthy. If he can, there’s nothing stopping him from developing into a star. He has that potential. That’s the biggest reason why he finds himself in tier 3, and not in tier 2. He still must prove that he can remain healthy while also continuing to develop as a player for Detroit.

Only playing in 12 games last season, Cunningham was on the right track. In that short stint before being shut down due to injury, Cunningham averaged 20 points, six rebounds, and six assists on 42 percent shooting from the field. He still must prove that he can shoot the 3-point shot on a consistent basis but if he can, there’s really nothing stopping him from being one of the better point guards in the NBA.

This season, it’s all about remaining healthy and continuing to grow as a player. The star moment will eventually come for Cunningham. At only 21 years old, Cunningham has a very bright future in the NBA.