Detroit Pistons choose Cade Cunningham as first pick in the 2021 NBA draft

The Detroit Pistons kicked off the NBA draft Thursday night by selecting Oklahoma State's Cade Cunningham with the No. 1 pick. Cunningham had been widely expected to be the first name called in New York, though Pistons general manager Troy Weaver wouldn't reveal plans earlier this week and said the team would look at every scenario, including trades.

In the end, Detroit stuck with the 19-year-old who was mentioned as a potential top pick before he ever stepped foot on the Oklahoma State campus. The 6-foot-8, 220-pound point guard from Arlington, Texas, lived up to expectations with his size and fluid game to become a first-team Associated Press All-American. He averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists with a game that allowed him to hit from 3-point range, score off the dribble or find teammates out of traps.