1) Why Chicago Bulls should tank for Cade Cunningham
Difficult to pass on a potential once in a generation talent
The last two parts of this list talked about how a prospect like Cunningham fits with the Bulls due to this team’s current circumstances. But the most appealing part of Cunningham as a 2021 NBA Draft prospect in general is how much raw talent and ability he brings to the table. It’s not often that you get a clear cut top prospect in a class that has the gifted physical tools and high basketball IQ such as Cunningham.
There’s always the chance that someone like G-League shooting guard/wing Jalen Green, Gonzaga point guard Jalen Suggs, and/or G-League forward Jonathan Kuminga, could pass up Cunningham as the top prospect in this class. But Cunningham appears to be the clear cut No. 1 pick in this draft class at the moment, and his solid start to this college hoops season proves that status.
Through six games played with Oklahoma State so far this season (all of which he’s started in), Cunningham led his team to an undefeated start. He’s averaged 18.8 points per game (tops in the Big 12), 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks. Cunningham shot 48.1 percent from the field, 47.6 percent from beyond the arc, and 86.2 percent from the free-throw line.
Not glaring weaknesses poked through for Cunningham so far during his freshman season. He’s a great two-way point guard that is showing the ability to effectively facilitate this offense, create his own shot, and space the floor. He’s even getting to the free-throw line often, and hitting those attempts at a very efficient clip so far.