Cade Cunningham Sends Message Before NBA Playoffs Start

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By JH Kubicek | Last updated Apr 16, 2025 3:27 PM ET

For the first time since 2019, the Detroit Pistons are heading to the NBA postseason. Led by young All-Star Cade Cunningham, the Pistons are expected to remain fixtures in the playoffs for the next several seasons.

Detroit failed to win 25 games in any of Cunningham's first three seasons in the Motor City, and they are prepared to be the underdogs in the first round of the playoffs.

Cunningham recently sent a message to fans before their first game tips off on Saturday.

“It’s exciting," he told Coty Davis. "I am looking forward to playoff basketball. It’s something I always dreamt of.”

In college, Cunningham and his Oklaoma State Cowboys got bounced in the second round of the NCAA Tournament by Oregon State. The 12th-ranked Beavers would go on a surprise run to the Elite Eight, but that did little to console Cunningham, who hasn't been on a winning team since his college days.

Between Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, and Ron Holland, Detroit has an excellent young core, and the return of Jaden Ivey next season will only improve the roster.

Next year, the Pistons are expected to once again make the postseason and perhaps even hold home-court advantage if they can rival the Knicks, Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, or Cleveland Cavaliers in the standings.

Cunningham, as an individual, is expected to take an All-NBA leap next season as one of the best point guards in the league.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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