Warriors Rising: Cade Cunningham Shines in the Paint

A dynasty is on the verge of a comeback. An All-Star has elevated his game. Meanwhile, a rookie is rapidly refining his skills.

Let’s take a moment to highlight three notable NBA trends from the past week:

The Warriors Embrace Free-Throw Opportunities

The return of Jonathan Kuminga allows the revamped Golden State Warriors to further embrace their evolving identity.

Since acquiring Jimmy Butler six weeks ago, the Warriors have been on fire, posting a record of 16-3, which ties them for the best in the NBA. They are also the only team in the top five for both points scored and points allowed per possession during this period.

What many thought would be a quiet end to the Stephen Curry era has turned into a competitive race for sixth place among the Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and LA Clippers—this position secures a spot outside the Play-In Tournament. The Warriors’ recent success has come in an unexpected manner this season.

Previously reliant on Curry and his shooting, the team has discovered more robust scoring methods as they lead the league in drawing fouls. Kuminga’s return from a two-month ankle injury only enhances their already potent offense.

Butler not only serves as an additional primary facilitator who allows Curry more freedom to move off-ball but also adds a much-needed attacking presence. Before Butler’s arrival, the Warriors ranked 27th in fouls drawn per possession; now they sit fourth. Both he and Kuminga are exceptional at getting to the line.

A Modern Post-Scoring Strategy

The art of the post-up is far from extinct; it has merely evolved.

The approach to low-post scoring has changed dramatically from the days of players like Shaquille O’Neal dominating with brute force. Nowadays, players like Nikola Jokić and Karl-Anthony Towns can still post up effectively but are more likely to use this technique to generate open shots for their teammates.

Cade Cunningham stands out in this new style. As a 6-foot-6 point guard for the Detroit Pistons, he leverages his size to see over defenses. Cunningham favors backing smaller defenders into the paint, often finding success with a right-handed hook shot.

This season, he finally has proficient shooters around him, allowing for more post-up creativity. Cunningham’s defense reading has also improved significantly in his fourth year. His unique ability to involve teammates means the Pistons score an impressive 128.6 points per 100 possessions from his post-ups, the highest in the league.

The Most Improved Box-Out Skill

If the NBA were to introduce an award for Most Improved Individual Skill, a rookie would likely lead the discussion.

No player has made a more considerable leap in rebounding ability than Pelicans center Yves Missi. After an unsteady start, Missi gradually learned to carve out space and effectively box out opponents.

While many may overlook the Pelicans, Missi has been gaining recognition for his intelligence on the court. He absorbs and executes coaching advice with remarkable efficiency. His early-season struggles have been replaced by effective positioning, leading to improved defensive rebounding metrics.

Since January 26, the Pelicans have become a stronger defensive rebounding unit with Missi on the court, showcasing the tangible benefit of his learning curve. He has transformed from a player unsure of how to box out to one of the league’s best in that regard, significantly reducing his missed box-out rate.

Despite the Pelicans being underappreciated, Missi’s rapid development may signify the emergence of a valuable asset in the franchise’s future.

(Photo of Cade Cunningham: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)