Detroit Pistons’ ‘Fade for Cade’ Cunningham pays off in NBA draft lottery, fans go bonkers

Detroit Pistons GM Troy Weaver on No. 1 pick: ‘Such a talented group of players to choose from’

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“Praise God.”

That was the first thought of Detroit Pistons general manager Troy Weaver upon seeing his franchise won the 2021 NBA draft lottery Tuesday night, and own the first pick in the July 29 draft.

Finally, there is a shining beacon of hope for one of the core-four Detroit sports teams.

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“We’ll be ready to pick,” Pistons general manager Weaver said, noting he’ll look at five players at No. 1. “I’m happy I have the number one pick. I’m ecstatic … getting the pick right, that’s what I was hired for.”

On the live telecast after the draft order was announced, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski  reported Oklahoma State guard/forward Cade Cunningham, the consensus No. 1 prospect, will only visit one team prior to the draft: The Pistons. (Check out his highlights.)

© Rob Ferguson, USA TODAY Sports Cade Cunningham and the Cowboys welcome No. 2 Baylor to town on Saturday. The Bears are undefeated at 13-0 overall and 6-0 in the the Big 12.

NBA DRAFT BIG BOARD: Evaluating the top 8 prospects on talent and fit for Pistons

ONE YEAR IN: Ranking Pistons GM Troy Weaver’s top-8 moves so far

SPECIAL OFFER: Gain access to our most exclusive Pistons content all year long. Take advantage of our latest offer at $1 for three months.

Cunningham, a 6-foot-8, 220-pound guard/forward who turns 20 in September, averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists, shooting 43.8% overall, 40% on 3-pointers and 84.6% on free throws over 27 games. The Cowboys were a No. 4 seed in the NCAA tournament and lost in the second round.

Here’s a sampling of the reaction, starting with Detroit’s own, Jalen Rose, getting hype:

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THE FUTURE: Pistons own No. 1 pick, so let’s watch Cade Cunningham highlights

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Pistons’ ‘Fade for Cade’ Cunningham pays off in NBA draft lottery, fans go bonkers