While Team USA begins its series of friendly matches this evening against Puerto Rico, the players of the “Select Team” have already completed their mission as “sparring partner”. Among them, a player caught the eye of observers and Steve Kerr: Cade Cunningham. The Pistons point guard dominated early scrimmages, and some may be wondering why he’s not on Steve Kerr’s final roster.
In fact, the first choice of the 2021 Draft, although invited by Grant Hill, had declined the proposal, agreeing instead to join the team of training partners of Team USA. For what ? Not to skip the stages because the former star player of Oklahoma State is in the recovery phase after several months without playing, and he still needs rest phases.
” [Le repos] was the deciding factor. [Team USA] will travel a lot, there is a lot of training. I wanted to dedicate my summer to my return, to make sure that I am ready, physically and mentally, for the recovery. So yes, I would say [le repos] was the deciding factor » thus explained the young star of the Pistons. ” In fact, I didn’t want to commit to Team USA at the World Cup, while having to continue to undergo healing sessions, without being fully committed to the group and without fully enjoying the experience. »
A question of balance and routine
Steve Kerr can therefore breathe: Cade Cunningham had good reasons to refuse, simply anxious to make the best choice for him, but also for Team USA and its balance.
” I know all the guys on this team are fully motivated adds the Arlington native. ” That’s why I wanted to leave my place and rather be in the ‘select team’. To participate in this adventure in my own way, while maintaining my routine for the rest of the summer. »
And it is the Pistons, who will recover a healed and healthy Cade Cunningham at the start of the school year, who are rubbing their hands in advance…
| Cade Cunningham | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2021-22 | TED | 64 | 33 | 41.6 | 31.4 | 84.5 | 0.9 | 4.6 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 3.1 | 1.2 | 3.7 | 0.7 | 17.4 |
| 2022-23 | TED | 12 | 33 | 41.5 | 27.9 | 83.7 | 1.0 | 5.2 | 6.2 | 6.0 | 2.8 | 0.8 | 3.3 | 0.6 | 19.9 |
| Total | 76 | 33 | 41.6 | 30.9 | 84.4 | 0.9 | 4.7 | 5.6 | 5.6 | 3.1 | 1.2 | 3.6 | 0.7 | 17.8 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
