Dante Cunningham

Dante Cunningham, #33 PF, Villanova
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 230 lbs

Strengths:
- Basketball IQ
- Movement without the ball
- Scoring around basket
- Improved mid-range jumper
- Runs court well
- Played against elite competition
- Hustle
- Shooting mechanics

Weaknesses:
- Rebounding
- Size and Strength
- Post moves
- Ball handling
- Defending next level?

Summary:
Dante Cunningham was not too impressive his first couple of seasons at Villanova. In his senior season, he has shown improvements in his game that are worthy of giving him a look in this year's draft. He has improved his ability to score away from the basket by developing a mid-range jump shot. Throughout the NCAA Tournament, Cunningham demonstrated that he was not afraid to take a 15'-18' if he was left open by the opposing team's defender. He has nice shooting mechanics that allow for a nice, smooth jump shot. Adding this jump shot to his game was vital if he wanted to make it to the NBA because Cunningham is not built like a NBA post player. He is 6'8" and 230 lbs, and he definitely looks it, making his size a question as to whether he'll be able to transition well. He will be a tweener at the next level, making it difficult to project how he will perform in the NBA.

Cunningham has many other strengths that stand out. Since he is not built like a traditional power forward, Cunningham has learned how to move well in the post without the basketball. Seldom does he stand in the post waiting to post up a player (he lacks advanced post moves which is related to his ball handling skills and with his size; it is difficult to project how this area of his game will translate to the NBA). Rather, he will flash towards the ball from the low post or make cuts to allow himself to get open for a teammate. He also runs the court well in transition. His ability to move without the ball to provide better opportunities for him and his teammates demonstrates his strong basketball IQ because he is self-aware of his strengths and weaknesses, floor situations and game situations. Whenever a shot is taken, Cunningham is one of the first players you see crashing the boards trying to grab an offensive rebound. In the situations he has the ball in his hands in the low post, Cunningham has shown he can score well around the basket.

On the defensive end of the floor, Cunningham has pretty good awareness. He makes sure he understands where he is in relationship to the basketball and his man, and he moves to ensure he stays in a position to defend the player. He also possess decent lateral quickness, which is good because if he switches on a perimeter screen, he will not be a huge liability.

Many of Cunningham's weaknesses stem from his size. When going up against bigger and more athletic players, he has a difficult time defending these individuals. Furthermore, he is not a great rebounder. This season he averaged just over seven rebounds per game in slightly more than 31 minutes of action. These are not good numbers for a power forwards, especially in the NBA. Cunningham has good length and technique, but his physical limitations allow for stronger players to out muscle him for rebounds.

Overall, Cunningham has shown improvement in his senior season that he did not demonstrate in the past. He may be a little undersized for the next level, but by getting him into the weight room, he should be able to develop his strength which will help out on the court. He has a good understanding for the game and the tools to be successful, but it will take time to continue developing Cunningham.

Projection: Second rounder (45-60, depending on team need). I just do not see Cunningham going undrafted. He improved drastically from his junior to senior season, which leaves me to believe he still has more room to improve. He will not contribute initially wherever he goes. He will more than likely be sent to the D-League or overseas to refine his game.

Best fit:
- Portland: after several PF and C expire this off-season, the Trailblazers will have some holes to fill in its front court. It depends if Portland wants a project or a player who is more refined.
- Minnesota: the Timberwolves already have their starting bigs next season (Love and Jefferson) and some decent depth (Cardinal, Smith, Gomes). Unless a player they just can't pass on falls to them, taking on Cunningham as a project could be interesting.
- Detroit: the Pistons are a team that should look to rebuild. The team will not win with its current roster. With Wallace, Brown and McDyess coming off the books this off-season and it being uncertain if they resign with the Pistons, I see the Pistons targeting a big man (either in free agency or the draft), but if they are looking for someone to step in immediately, Cunningham may not be the right option.