Potential No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham recently said that becoming an All-Star is one of his biggest goals for himself to start his NBA career next season.
Cunningham, who led Oklahoma State to the NCAA tournament, averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.6 steals in 27 games with the Cowboys. He became the first player in the history of the program to be named to the Associated Press’s first American team.
He’s widely regarded as the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft. Of course, where Cunningham lands will be determined by the June 22 draft lottery. Currently, the Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic share the best odds of landing the No. 1 pick.
In the last episode of the “The Old Man & the Three” podcast with JJ Redick and Tommy Alter, Cunningham said he wanted to be in a situation that was best for him.
I’m sort of widely regarded as the top pick, so I don’t really have too much leeway when it comes to a team that I don’t like (the cup). There really can’t be a team that I don’t like right now. It’s a different experience for me. I’m excited about it, but there are a lot of different situations.
If there’s one adjustment that I don’t agree with so much, it’s a little hard for me to get out of that situation. I really want to be in a situation where the organization is ready to have me, and I’m able to do my thing.
The team that will win the first choice will undoubtedly prioritize its development and highlight its strengths on the pitch. The organizations that should be vying for that pick could all use a franchise change talent like Cunningham.
Although the team Cunningham will join is not known, his goals remain the same. He has fully accepted the challenge of turning the tide for the team that selects him and this is one of his main goals ahead of his rookie season.
I want to make the playoffs. I want to be in this race for sure. The rookie of the year is a certainty. I want to be an All-Star by my sophomore year, honestly. I know that the first year, there are guys who do too much (noise). You have to go and go crazy if you want to in the first year. The first year, I’ll be realistic, (I want to win) Rookie of the Year. Then the second year I want to be an All-Star. Otherwise, snubbed.
Here is @CadeCunningham_ on some of his goals for the first year. The full ep is now also on video. https://t.co/XKyW3eN4BB pic.twitter.com/rLFmep1wpg
– TheOldMan & TheThree (@OldManAndThree) June 9, 2021
With the draft less than two months away, Cunningham has been busy in the gym doing yoga and adding muscle to his body. On the pitch, he’s working on improving his ball handling and 3-point shooting among other areas of his game.
The NBA Draft is scheduled to take place on July 29.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!