Cade Cunningham Embraces Brandon Roy Comparisons

“I mean, Brandon Roy, he was a legend in my eyes,” Cunningham said. “He was special — did it all. Both hands, inside, outside game. So to even be compared, I feel honored. I think it’s a cool comparison. I’ve definitely tried to implement things from his game into mine.”

Why Brandon Roy’s Name Keeps Surfacing

Brandon Roy’s NBA career, although very short, was still quite powerful. He was one of the top guards in the league during his prime, and he did it all by creating his own shots, passing to his teammates, and making the most of difficult situations. He wasn’t relying on speed, he was just using patience and precise execution to outsmart the defenders. Now, even though Cunningham was able to portray Roy’s legacy through his actions to the greatest extent. At a height of 6-foot-6, he not only has a very high maturity level but also easily takes control of the game’s tempo, and always makes the right choices.

Thus, with the likes of Channing Frye, Kevin Garnett, and Richard Jefferson, experienced players have already begun drawing analogies between Roy and the mentioned players. Roy has been very vocal about these comparisons, and he is actually stronger than ever in his argument that he is the one to connect the two players.

The very acknowledgment of similarity by Roy himself not only confirms Cunningham to be the rightful heir but also highlights the ever-present nature of Roy’s legacy with the new generation.

“There are similarities,” Roy said, noting Cunningham’s ability to read defenders and function comfortably in tight spaces.

A Game Built on Control, Not Flash

Cunningham’s way of playing doesn’t depend on highlight reels every night. He prevails through balance, force, and synchronization. His dribbling is close, his movement calculated, and his awareness of the court is beyond what one would expect from a player of his age. Pistons player Isaiah Stewart said the comparison is nice, but Cunningham’s character is still very much established.

“I think Cade’s game is Cade’s game, I would say, you know, obviously the big guard, we never get to the spot. Nobody throwing them off,” said Stewart.

“Yes, but, his game is his game, man. Smooth operator. So yeah, but I mean, definitely you can find some similarities. Obviously, B Roy [Brandon Roy] is, you know what he done in this sport, in this league, it is a great thing, but Cade got his own game.”

The difference really matters. Roy frequently played as a scoring-first guard, while Cunningham took on the role of a primary playmaker. He is good at directing the offense, taking pressure from the defense, and relying on his mates to score.

Respect From NBA Voices Across Eras

As a matter of fact, Cunningham, beyond the reaches of Detroit, receives much praise. To Vince Carter, his ceiling is high.

“I like Cade,” Carter said. “I think he has a chance to be very good, and he’s gonna be a perennial All-Star.”

Houston Rockets analyst Ryan Hollins mirrored the triumvirate’s state in the system.

“They’re different players,” Hollins said. “Cade is a natural point guard. Brandon Roy was more in the playmaker category. But both are uniquely unstoppable.”

Hollins also drew attention to something frequently overlooked: Roy’s dominance before his career was cut short by injuries.

He said it says a lot about Cunningham’s trajectory to be mentioned with such talent.

Turning Comparisons Into Confidence

Cunningham doesn’t feel weighed down by the comparisons. He actually uses them to push himself harder. He studies Roy’s calm, his patience, the way he moves, and takes all of that to improve his own skills. Pretty soon, people will stop talking and just look at what Cunningham does. His own results will speak for him. No matter how much people bring up Roy, Cunningham’s work will set him apart. For now, the comparison just shows people respect him. They already see him as someone who belongs in that conversation with the greats.

Byron Nelson