The Detroit Pistons opened the 2021 NBA draft on Thursday night by taking Oklahoma State star Cade Cunningham.
Cunningham, a 6-foot-8 guard from Dallas, now will be asked to try to lead the Pistons back into the playoff mix in the Eastern Conference. Detroit has made the postseason three times in the past 12 seasons, but hasn't won a single playoff game since reaching the Eastern Conference finals for a sixth straight time in 2008.
The Pistons will hope that can finally change after some luck in last month's NBA draft lottery landed them the top overall pick for the first time since 1970.