Younger NBA gamers hardly ever get to develop with out fixed consideration. At any time when somebody has an enormous sport, folks begin evaluating, and any flaw turns into a subject of debate. For Cade Cunningham, who’s seen as the way forward for the Detroit Pistons, one title retains arising as his profession unfolds: Brandon Roy.
This comparability is predicated extra on model than statistics. It’s about how Cunningham units the tempo, outsmarts defenders, and helps his workforce win in ways in which aren’t at all times mirrored within the field rating.
Why Brandon Roy’s Identify Nonetheless Carries Weight
Brandon Roy didn’t spend a lot time within the NBA, however he positive made folks keep in mind him. When he was at his greatest, he did all of it—scoring from wherever, ending with both hand, by no means rattled when the sport bought tight. He wasn’t the quickest man on the market. He simply knew easy methods to play, had the strikes, and made smart selections. That’s the sort of factor that makes folks consider Cunningham after they discuss Roy.
“I imply, Brandon Roy, he was a legend in my eyes,” Cunningham mentioned. “He was particular — to do all of it. Each fingers, inside, outdoors sport. So to even be in contrast, I really feel honored. I feel it’s a cool comparability. I’ve undoubtedly tried to implement issues from his sport into mine.”
The admiration feels real, not rehearsed. Cunningham isn’t chasing nostalgia; he’s learning it.
Respect From the League’s Internal Circle
Followers aren’t the one ones making the comparability. Veterans corresponding to Channing Frye, Kevin Garnett, Richard Jefferson, and Michael Redd have all observed similarities in Cunningham’s poise and command. Roy himself additionally acknowledged these traits in a current dialog earlier this 12 months.
“There are similarities,” Roy mentioned, pointing to how Cunningham reads defenders and operates in tight areas.
“There are similarities,” Roy mentioned, pointing to how Cunningham reads defenders and operates in tight areas.
Vince Carter echoed that confidence in Cunningham’s trajectory.
“I like Cade,” Carter mentioned. “I feel he has an opportunity to be excellent, and he’s gonna be a perennial All-Star, in my view.”
These aren’t informal compliments. They’re endorsements from gamers who acknowledge management after they see it.
A Sport Constructed on Management, Not Chaos
Cunningham’s sport isn’t flashy. He doesn’t chase spotlight reels or depend on jaw-dropping dunks. What units him aside is his stability, his energy, and the way in which he waits for the correct second. At 6-foot-6, he can see above defenders and simply lets the play come to him. Truthfully, Isaiah Stewart summed it up higher than anybody.
“I feel Cade’s sport is Cade’s sport,” Stewart mentioned. “Easy operator. You will discover some similarities, clearly, however his sport is his sport.”
That distinction issues. Roy usually attacked as a scorer first. Cunningham operates as a conductor, snug initiating offense, studying assist defenders, and sacrificing private numbers for the correct play.
Comparable, Totally different, and Nonetheless Unstoppable
Houston Rockets analyst Ryan Hollins provided maybe probably the most layered perspective — honoring each gamers with out flattening their variations.
“They’re completely different gamers,” Hollins mentioned. “Cade is a pure level guard. Brandon Roy was extra within the playmaker class. However each are uniquely unstoppable.”
Hollins additionally reminded folks of Roy’s dominance earlier than accidents modified his profession — a historical past that offers the comparability much more weight.
Turning into the Customary, Not the Echo
Comparisons can maintain a participant again or push him ahead. Cade Cunningham’s all in on the second possibility. He watches Roy’s footwork, pays consideration to his endurance and the way he strikes in area, then figures out easy methods to make these issues work for him. Sooner or later, folks received’t line him up subsequent to Brandon Roy—not as a result of the echoes disappear, however as a result of Cunningham’s personal achievements will set the usual. Proper now, the comparability isn’t a burden. It’s a nod. And Cade’s utilizing that as motivation.
