Why Derrick White Would Be the Perfect Fit Next to Cade Cunningham-Even If Detroit Never Gets the Chance
The Detroit Pistons are deep in the process of trying to build a sustainable future around Cade Cunningham, and one thing is becoming increasingly clear: they need a two-way guard who can complement his skill set on both ends of the floor. In a perfect world, that player is Derrick White.
Now, let’s be real-White isn’t exactly sitting on the trade block. He’s a cornerstone piece for a Boston Celtics team with championship aspirations. But if you’re Detroit, and you’re mapping out your ideal backcourt partner for Cunningham, White checks just about every box.
Why Derrick White Is the Dream Fit
Let’s start with defense. White is one of the most disruptive perimeter defenders in the league.
He’s consistently near the top of the NBA in combined steals and blocks-what analysts call “stocks”-and he doesn’t just rack up numbers. He takes on the toughest assignments night in and night out, whether it’s chasing shooters around screens or sliding with elite ball-handlers in isolation.
He’s the kind of guy who makes life easier for everyone else on the floor.
That kind of defensive presence would be game-changing in Detroit, especially alongside Cunningham, who’s already shouldering a massive offensive load. Cunningham is the engine of the Pistons’ offense, and pairing him with a backcourt mate who can take on the toughest defensive matchups would free him up to conserve energy and focus more on creating.
But White isn’t just a defensive specialist-far from it. He’s a versatile offensive weapon who can play both on and off the ball.
He’s capable of initiating offense, getting downhill, and creating for others. At the same time, he’s a reliable catch-and-shoot threat from beyond the arc, which is exactly what Cunningham needs next to him: someone who can space the floor when Cade is in attack mode, but also take the reins when needed.
The Pistons’ Current Dilemma
Detroit’s roster has a few pieces that hint at the kind of balance they’re trying to strike, but none quite hit the mark like White would.
Duncan Robinson, for example, has been a bright spot offensively. His shooting has given the Pistons much-needed spacing, and he’s helped open up the floor for Cunningham to operate.
But Robinson is a known target on defense. Opposing offenses hunt him in pick-and-rolls and isolation sets, and too often, it leads to easy buckets.
On the flip side, you’ve got Ausar Thompson-a defensive standout who can guard multiple positions and bring energy on that end of the floor. But his offensive game is still a work in progress. Teams are sagging off him, daring him to shoot, and that’s shrinking the floor for Cunningham.
Then there’s Jaden Ivey, the player Detroit hoped would grow into this exact role. He’s got the athleticism, the burst, and the two-way potential.
But injuries have limited his development and consistency. He hasn’t been able to stay on the court long enough to build chemistry with Cunningham, let alone become the defensive anchor or secondary creator the Pistons need.
The Harsh Reality
All of this makes Derrick White the kind of player Detroit should be dreaming about. He’s the bridge between the Pistons’ offensive needs and their defensive deficiencies.
A guard who can shoot, create, and lock down the opposition? That’s the holy grail in today’s NBA.
But here’s the catch: Boston knows exactly what they have in White. He’s not just a role player on a deep roster-he’s a critical piece of their title hopes.
With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the charge, White’s ability to complement both stars has made him invaluable. His fit is seamless, his impact undeniable.
So unless something drastically changes in Boston’s trajectory, White’s not going anywhere. That’s the reality.
What Comes Next for Detroit?
Still, it’s worth identifying what kind of player Detroit should be targeting. White represents the prototype: a high-IQ, two-way guard who can elevate Cunningham’s game without needing to dominate the ball. Whether it’s through the draft, free agency, or a more realistic trade target, that’s the mold Detroit should be chasing.
The Pistons are still in the early stages of their rebuild, but they’re starting to get a clearer picture of what they need. A player like Derrick White would be a dream fit-whether or not that dream ever becomes reality.