Cade Cunningham Is Turning Lessons from Brandon Roy into Late-Game Brilliance
When Cade Cunningham hears his name mentioned alongside Brandon Roy, he doesn’t flinch-he embraces it. In fact, he welcomes the comparison.
In a recent interview, the Pistons’ star guard said he’d “love to be compared to [Roy],” and it’s easy to see why. Roy, during his short but electric NBA career, was known for his poise, shot-making, and ability to control the game when it mattered most.
And now, Cade is starting to show flashes of that same clutch DNA.
But this isn’t just about respect. Cunningham isn’t simply tipping his cap to a former star-he’s actively studying Roy’s game and pulling pieces into his own.
“I’ve tried to implement things,” Cade said. And if you’ve been watching him this season, you can see it.
The subtle changes in his approach, especially in crunch time, are starting to pay off in a big way.
The Clutch Factor: Cade’s Next-Level Growth
Cade’s always had the tools. Pistons fans have known that since Day 1.
But this season, he’s added something that separates good players from great ones: late-game command. In clutch situations-defined by the NBA as the final five minutes of a game with a margin of five points or fewer-Cunningham has been one of the league’s most efficient and composed guards.
That’s a huge leap from last season, when those same moments often saw him struggle with turnovers and missed shots. This year, he’s calm, calculated, and confident.
That’s the Brandon Roy influence in action. Back in his Portland days, Roy made a name for himself by delivering when it mattered most, whether it was going toe-to-toe with Kobe Bryant or hitting dagger jumpers over Dirk Nowitzki.
He had a knack for rising in the biggest moments, and Cade is starting to show that same trait.
A Modern Evolution of a Classic Game
Physically, the comparison between Roy and Cunningham makes sense. Both are big, strong guards who can score from all three levels and handle the ball like point guards. But where Cade is starting to separate himself is in the areas Roy never fully got to explore due to injuries-namely, playmaking and perimeter shooting.
Cunningham’s court vision has always been one of his calling cards, but this season he’s taken it up a notch. He’s orchestrating the offense with more precision, reading defenses like a seasoned vet, and consistently setting up teammates in rhythm. His shooting from deep has also taken a step forward, giving Detroit a more dynamic offensive engine.
And defensively? Cade has quietly put together one of his more complete seasons on that end of the floor.
He’s using his length and instincts to disrupt passing lanes, contest shots, and take on tough assignments. Roy was a solid defender in his prime, but Cade’s showing he can be even more impactful on that side of the ball.
Still Learning, Still Building
What makes Cade’s evolution even more exciting is his mindset. He’s not satisfied.
He’s actively looking to grow, and he’s doing it by studying one of the more underrated stars of the 2000s. That’s the kind of mentality you want from your franchise cornerstone-someone who respects the past but is hungry to build his own legacy.
The Pistons are counting on that. They’ve got a promising young core, but so far, Cade is the clear alpha.
If another star emerges to share the offensive load, great. But if not, Cunningham seems more than ready to shoulder the responsibility.
And if that means borrowing a few more tricks from Brandon Roy’s bag, so be it.
Because in the playoffs-when every possession matters and every decision is magnified-it’s those small additions, those learned moments, that can swing a series. Cade Cunningham is learning that in real time. And if you’re watching closely, you can see a star not just rising-but refining, evolving, and becoming the kind of player you trust with the ball when the game is on the line.