Cade Cunningham Returns with Double-Double, Poised for Year 4 Breakout with Improved Pistons Roster

Cade Cunningham made a strong return to action, recording a double-double with 25 points (10-23 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 10 assists, six rebounds, and two steals in 34 minutes during the Pistons' 120-112 win over the Hawks. This follows a 2023-24 season where he showed significant growth, averaging career highs of 22.7 points and 7.5 assists per game with improved shooting splits (44.9/35.5/86.9). That season was a bounce-back after missing most of 2022-23 due to a shin injury, though he was cautiously shut down in early April 2024 for left knee tendinopathy. The Pistons have actively improved their roster this offseason, drafting Ron Holland and signing veterans Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, and Tim Hardaway, which should provide increased floor spacing and better shooters to support Cunningham in his fourth year. As the 2021 No. 1 overall pick, Cunningham remains the offensive focal point for Detroit.