# @ethicalhoopers on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DdrzOlmFQic
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/70844096-ethicalhoopers-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/3632fee556.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-09-24T21:00:06.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Olalekan Coker (@Olalekan.Coker.jr) — https://gondola.cc/Olalekan.Coker.jr

## Caption

Jalen Green and Cade Cunningham were supposed to be the start of one of the most exciting rivalries of their generation. 🔥

Coming into the 2021 NBA Draft, both players were viewed as future franchise cornerstones with the potential to define the next era of basketball. Cade was seen as a big, skilled point guard with elite vision, size, and leadership, while Jalen was viewed as an explosive scorer with incredible athleticism, shot-making ability, and superstar potential.

The rivalry started before they even stepped on an NBA court. Cade went No. 1 overall to the Pistons, while Jalen was selected No. 2 by the Rockets, setting up a natural comparison between two players drafted to lead rebuilding franchises.

Fans imagined years of battles between Detroit and Houston, comparing their growth, performances, and paths to becoming franchise players. Both had the talent, confidence, and competitive mindset to become the faces of their teams.

Cade’s all-around game and playmaking against Jalen’s scoring ability and explosiveness created the perfect matchup between two players with completely different styles.

While their careers are still being written, the potential for a legendary rivalry was there from the beginning — two top picks, two franchises, and two young stars looking to prove they belonged at the top. 🏀🔥

#NBA #CadeCunningham #JalenGreen #DetroitPistons #HoustonRockets

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 2,125
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 146

## Tags

nba, houstonrockets, cadecunningham, detroitpistons, jalengreen

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