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Kobe Bryant’s Slow Start Is an Important Reason Why Fans Should Be Patient With Cade Cunningham

Published 11/04/2021, 10:52 AM EDT

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In a massive boost to their revival, the Detroit Pistons acquired top prospect, Cade Cunningham, in the 2021 NBA Draft. Last year, the side was humbled in the regular season, slipping to the last position. They managed only 20 wins throughout, against 52 losses.

Thus, the franchise had to go all-in during the off-season. Contrary to expectations, the youngster has been underwhelming thus far. But Pistons fans can look to legendary Laker Kobe Bryant for inner peace.

USA Today via Reuters

20-year-old Cade Cunningham was the marquee star for Oklahoma State University. He produced some scintillating quality there, which opened up the doors to an NBA call-up.

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Ahead of the new season, the Texas-born signed up for the draft, and was the favorite to be the No.1 overall pick. Dreams became a reality for Detroit, who cashed in on the golden opportunity. However, it has been a rough start for Cunningham, owing to injuries and the pressure of the big stage. Can he step up?

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The Kobe Bryant analogy to Cade Cunningham’s opening blues

Although fans were optimistic for the new season, the Pistons have been abysmal again. A large part of their failure can be connected to the unfortunate circumstances revolving around Cunningham. Due to a sprained right ankle, the guard missed the side’s season opener against the in-form Bulls.

As chants of “We want Cade” echoed around the Little Caesars Arena, the young gun returned. But in his two games so far, he hasn’t been as involved as the Detroit faithful would’ve hoped.

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Gathering a mere 8 points in total, it has been a forgetful start for Cade. On the bright side, however, Detroit fans can look to the legendary star Kobe Bryant for hope. The former player amassed only 18 points in his first five games, including a zero-point debut. In his rookie season, he had no double-doubles and went pointless 11 times.

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What followed, was an illustrious career that will live on eternally. Thus, it is best to be patient with an up-and-coming star like Cunningham.

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Don’t worry Detroit fans; it is only a matter of time before Cade Cunningham finds his feet. The Consensus first-team All American is still transitioning into the league and will burst into the scene soon enough. Hopefully, his form can turn things around for the struggling franchise.

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Written by:

Sankalp Harikrishnan

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Sankalp Harikrishnan is an NBA and Tennis writer at EssentiallySports. He aspires to pursue Sports Journalism and has represented his institution in cricket, badminton, football and table tennis. Sankalp idolises Roger Federer and Stephen Curry, and has an inherent love for statistics.
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