Cade Cunningham, humbled by the NBA, needs to spark change for Pistons

It's clear that the only thing the Detroit Pistons really have going for them is former No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham.

He's been as advertised, though he has had to grow through some ups and downs as a young player.

Still, it's hard to shake your head at a young point guard who averaged 22.7 points, 7.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game in what was effectively his second year of action after missing most of last season due to a shin injury.

He's a bright spot in what is otherwise a pit of misery after Detroit's 14-68 season, but even bright lights can be dimmed due to losing.

Speaking to the media at the official end of the season, Cunningham preferred to call it a humbling.

“I’ve been blessed in basketball all my life, winning games, receiving accolades, whatever. Since I’ve gotten into the NBA, it’s humbled me to know how much it takes to succeed. I’m learning more and more about myself every day," he said, per Detroit Bad Boys.

It's good to be humble, and Cunningham has certainly displayed the mindset you look for out of a young cornerstone piece, but the Pistons have only accumulated 54 wins total in the three years he's been here.

What was supposed to be a "restoring," per general manager Troy Weaver, has been nothing short of an all-out disaster, and if the Pistons have any hope of getting out of this self-made hole, the only person who will be able to get them out is Cunningham.

He was great this season, but he still needs to step up. He needs to go from star to superstar next season, and he also needs to continue to be vocal as a leader.

Because if not Cunningham, who else?

Owner Tom Gores is absentee, and the Pistons have gotten worse every year under Weaver's watch. Yes, there are reports that Gores wants to hire a head of basketball operations, but as long as Weaver is still involved — and he's expected to be— what really is going to change in Detroit?

The Pistons have little to no assets outside of cap space, and frankly, which big-name free agent would want to join this mess?

The only asset the Pistons have capable of positive change is Cunningham, and to his credit, he does say he's willing to make his opinion known.

“If I’m asked, I’ll give an answer every time,” Cunningham said. “I am very comfortable and confident with how I see the game, how I see the players. I feel like I have a great feel for what guys are made of after I play against them.”