The spotlight is on Detroit Pistons‘ rising star Cade Cunningham, but not everyone is singing his praises. NBA analyst Skip Bayless recently took a dig at the talented guard while lauding another standout from the 2021 NBA Draft.
Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets has been setting the court on fire, leading his team to an impressive 12-1 record in March with staggering stats of 28.5 PPG, 6.1 RPG, and 3.7 APG. Bayless couldn’t resist revisiting his pre-draft opinion, asserting that Green was a superior prospect to Cunningham then and remains the better player now.
However, it’s essential to consider several factors when comparing these top picks. Cunningham faced a setback last season due to injury, limiting his playing time, unlike Green, who has enjoyed a healthier run. Additionally, Green benefits from a more robust supporting cast compared to Cunningham’s situation with the Pistons.
While Green’s recent performance deserves recognition, Cunningham has also been impressive throughout the season, averaging 22.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 7.5 APG as the Pistons’ primary option. In contrast, Green’s season averages stand at 19.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, and 3.4 APG.
It’s clear that both players have their strengths, and while Green’s recent surge is commendable, the debate over who is the superior talent is far from settled.
