One of the NBA’s bright young stars is Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons. Cunningham is knocking on the door of superstardom, but he almost didn’t make it through high school.
Speaking to Kevin Durant for a Boardroom Cover Story on YouTube, Cunningham opened up about his life and career. The Oklahoma State product revealed that he thought his career was over in 2018, when he became a father at just 17 years old.
“I find out my ex-girlfriend’s pregnant. I’m having my daughter and I’m away from my parents. I’m away from everybody, bro. I was stuck, you know what I mean? … I’m thinking I got to go back to the crib now and be a dad. Hoop is done for me. I thought it was done. Everybody I knew that had kids young, like was done hooping. I wasn’t too known at this time,” Cunningham said, via HoopsHype.
Cunningham was thankful to his parents for supporting him and encouraging him to continue pursuing his basketball dream. He also embraced being a father to his daughter, Riley, who has been a source of inspiration for him.
Becoming a Father Made Him Mature Early
One of the things that helped shape Cade Cunningham off the court was his daughter Riley. Cunningham had to mature early so that he could provide for Riley and take care of her in the best way possible.
Cunningham spoke about what it was like to be a young father to The Oklahoman’s Jacob Unruh back in March 2021.
“For anybody that is having their first child, that’s like scary. You know I was young. I was in high school and it was a bunch of different things. I just think flipping the switch and knowing I had to make this work in what ever I was pursuing for her. It changed the way I look at life for sure. Made me a little more mature and lock in a little more. I’m really excited right now for her,” Cunningham said, via Pokes Report.
Riley Cunningham has been a constant in Pistons games, providing support for her father. Cade has helped Detroit Basketball regain the spotlight, with the Pistons atop the Eastern Conference with an impressive record of 12-2.
Cunningham Takes Next Step to Superstardom
After his breakout campaign last season, Cade Cunningham has already shown improvements in his game this season. The Detroit Pistons look like a legitimate threat to come out of the East.
Cunningham took the next step to superstardom with an upcoming signature shoe with Nike, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. The Pistons star also signed a new six-year deal with the giant shoe brand.
The 24-year-old guard is only the sixth active player to have his own signature shoe with Nike, joining LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Devin Booker and Ja Morant.
Only a handful of NBA players get their signature shoes, so Cunningham is indeed rising to a new level. Other stars with their own shoes under different brands include Anthony Edwards with Adidas, Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum with Jordan, LaMelo Ball with Puma, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with Converse, Nikola Jokic with 361 Degrees and Kawhi Leonard with New Balance.
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