USA Today via Reuters
Mar 19, 2021; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Cade Cunningham (2) passes the ball past Liberty Flames forward Kyle Rode (22) during the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Indiana Farmers Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 19, 2021; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Cade Cunningham (2) passes the ball past Liberty Flames forward Kyle Rode (22) during the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Indiana Farmers Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Cade Cunningham has seen his profile in the mainstream media diminish over the last couple of weeks. This was understandable, as his OSU Cowboys said an early goodbye to the NCAA Tournament, while teams with other top lottery stars like the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the USC Trojans marched on.
The performances that Evan Mobley and Jalen Suggs put in over the tournament have had people raving over them. Mobley looks like the perfect modern-day center, while Suggs is a gifted offensive guard. Their rise means that Cade Cunningham may not be the consensus #1 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft anymore.
READ MORE: NCAA Analyst Believes Evan Mobley Can’t Match Up To Cade Cunningham On NBA Draft Boards
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“This is no shade on Cade. When Jalen Suggs started this tournament, one GM told me it was about Cade, Cade, Cade. Now he said, look of he got Cade, or Suggs, or even Evan Mobley from USC, he’d be happy. I think a lot of the draft experts are saying it’s Cade, Cade, Cade… With what Suggs is showing in terms of leadership, making big shots, leading this great team to the title game. I think he’s making a strong case for the number one pick.”
Cade Cunningham: Not the best pick anymore?
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Cade Cunningham is a phenomenal player and should not be replaced by anyone at the top of this draft. While Suggs has had a great post-season and may be better right now, Cunningham has a special future. He has the perfect size for a combo guard at 6’7. He can shoot, defend, and make plays at an elite level.
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 3, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jalen Suggs (1) celebrate making the game winning shot against the UCLA Bruins in the national semifinals of the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
While Suggs may be the better playmaker and scorer right now, Cunningham’s defensive potential makes him a more enticing pick. Mobley is a phenomenal big and also has a bright future in the league. However, the game is still run by guards so teams would prefer to pick either Suggs or Cunningham up.
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READ MORE: Should Gonzaga Bulldogs’ Jalen Suggs Be #1 Pick In 2021 NBA Draft Ahead of Cade Cunningham?
While the discussion has become hotter, it seems like Cunningham may still be the popular choice for the first pick. Despite what Suggs did in the post-season and what Mobley can offer, it seems this is the year for Cunningham to go #1.
