Cade inspired by Billups to make 'own chapter' with Pistons

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham is drawing inspiration from a franchise legend to make his mark on the franchise.

The 23-year-old said he wants to establish his own run of success as the Pistons' lead guard, similar to five-time All-Star Chauncey Billups.

"I would watch (Billups) clips. To see that team, the history of the organization," Cunningham said, according to Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports. "I would love to have my own chapter."

Billups, who led the Pistons to their last title in 2004, called Cunningham an All-Star.

"The game has slowed down for him, and when I say that, I always mean in the mind," Billups said.

Cunningham has led the Pistons to a 19-18 record, helping Detroit reach over .500 this late in the campaign for the first time since 2018-19. He's averaging 24 points, 9.3 assists, and 6.6 rebounds per game this season.

Detroit already surpassed its win total from last year, when it went 14-68. The Pistons tied an NBA record with a 28-game losing streak in 2023-24.

Cunningham, who played 62 contests last season, said he wants "to be a part of changing" the tough times and bad basketball that has plagued the franchise in recent history.

At five seasons, the Pistons are tied with the San Antonio Spurs for the second-longest active postseason drought. Detroit was swept in the first round by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2019 in its last playoff appearance.