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By Anne Erickson
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The Detroit Pistons are officially Cade Cunningham's team now.
Yes, they have to build around him. They have to support him. The team's x-factor has to be helping Cunningham next season.
The Pistons finally showed they were ready to take a step forward last season, but the playoffs also exposed one of their biggest weaknesses. They needed more help creating offense.
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When the games got tighter, Detroit leaned heavily on Cunningham to make something happen. His usage rate hit 32.4% in the playoffs.
That's where Ebuka Okorie could become an important piece.
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Detroit selected the Stanford guard with the No. 17 pick, adding a player who brings a skill the roster desperately needed: the ability to break down defenses and create chances for others.
Okorie is at his best when he has the ball in his hands. He seems to absolutely love attacking downhill and making something happen once the defense starts scrambling.
That ability could take some pressure off Cunningham. That's so needed, too.
The Pistons traded Jaden Ivey at the deadline and saw Daniss Jenkins struggle during his first playoff experience, leaving the team searching for another guard who can handle bigger responsibilities.
Okorie might not have everything figured out right away. At 19 years old, he'll have plenty to learn as he adjusts to the speed and physicality of the NBA. But Detroit isn't asking him to become a franchise player. The team simply needs another guard who can create when Cunningham isn't controlling the action.
That makes this a potentially important addition.
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Detroit also selected Ugonna Onyenso in the second round, adding another young player to develop. But Okorie is the one who could have the biggest impact early.
The Pistons are no longer just trying to build a young roster. The NBA Finals are in reach.
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