TI’s week 5 rookie ladder: Josh Giddey on the rise

No. 2 – Cade Cunningham:

Great week for Cade Cunningham who delivered his first triple-double of his pro career and it came versus the Lakers (13 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists). His accolades didn’t get the shine they should’ve because everyone was focused on the LeBron James – Isaiah Stewart brouhaha.

Rookie category rankings:

• Turnovers: 3.3 – first
• Triple-Doubles – one (first)
• 3-pointers made: 1.9 -second
• Assists: 4.9 – second
• Steals: 1.2 – second
• Minutes per game: 31.3 – third
• Double-Doubles: two (three-way tie for third)
• Rebounds: 6.2 – fourth
• Field Goals Made: 4.8 – three-way tie for fourth
• Points: 13.1 – fifth
• Offensive rebounds: 1.0 – four-way tie for sixth
• Blocks: 0.5 – five-way tie for fourth
• Field Goal Percent: 33.9%

While Cunningham’s shot is still a work in progress his impact on his teammates is undeniable. The “it” factor is there and if you’ve caught any Pistons games there is a decided uptick in his focus and delivery in the more stressful moments of clutch time.

While the Pistons only collected a single win (Pacers) in week 5 they came close in both the Warriors and Lakers matches. Not surprisingly, the Pistons guard performed well in each of those matches.

In the four games of week 5 for Detroit, he averaged 18.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 2.3 steals, and 2.5 turnovers.  The shooting, however, is the area where he struggles most (39.5 percent from the field and 27.8 from the perimeter this past week).

With week six underway the stats have dipped already but that’s the life of a rookie. He’ll experience great highs and some lows but by season end he’ll be in the mix to win the Rookie of the Year especially if he can improve upon his shooting.