Cavs’ Evan Mobley stands pat at second on latest Rookie Ladder

Cade Cunningham vs. LaMelo Ball Part One

Would you believe me if I told you that Cade Cunningham is only one month younger than LaMelo Ball? Well, I got you, he is. Both players can be excellent on-ball defenders when they put in the effort, and they can both fill it up from anywhere on the court.

That said, there is a massive difference in their game, considering Ball already had to take his lumps during his rookie season last year. Well, both the guards met on Wednesday of this past week, and both players were impressive.

Cunningham looked out of place on the defensive rotation at times, and he did not have to guard LaMelo one-on-one very often. However, Cunningham clearly knows where his shot is best, and never hesitates to shoot. Additionally, Cunningham has also proved to be a pretty good distributor as well. He’s averaging over five assists per game this season, while also hauling in six rebounds per night.

Now, LaMelo and the Charlotte Hornets got the best of the Pistons on Wednesday, 140-111. Cunningham bagged 16 points, and dished out seven assists. But, the night went to Ball, who had 12 points and 12 assists. He was also only two rebounds shy of a triple-double, too.

LaMelo has taken a pretty big step this season, and from the looks of it, Cunningham is headed in that direction.