Cunningham’s two-way skill was on display before he was placed in the health and safety protocol, as he continues to rack up the points and come up with key stops even though he isn’t playing with tons of consistent options alongside him in Detroit.
Cunningham, a former high school teammate of Barnes, is putting up 15.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, as Dwane Casey has given him full control of this offense. As long as he continues to be this proficient from a statistical point of view, Barnes may have some competition for the Rookie of the Year Award.
NBA Rookie Ladder: Franz Wagner is getting better.
With so many Orlando players out due to COVID-19 and No. 5 overall pick Jalen Suggs nursing an injury, Wagner was given the keys to the car. Over the last six games, Wagner is averaging 22.8 points per game, including a 38-point outburst in a loss against the Bucks.
Wagner looks to be the more effective player when compared to Suggs. Wagner is already capable of playing multiple positions, shooting from deep, and defending. His numbers may have been inflated due to the absences, but Wagner is a viable ROY contender.