Supporters argue that Cunningham’s growth under Bickerstaff has been remarkable. His ability to learn and adapt on the fly suggests he can handle the pressure of playoff basketball. Moreover, the Pistons have shown resilience throughout the regular season, indicating they are not solely dependent on one player's heroics.

The risk is that Cunningham’s inexperience could be exploited by more seasoned opponents, leading to a swift and decisive defeat for Detroit.

Bickerstaff may be overplaying Cunningham’s role to maintain morale and avoid criticism from fans and media.

If Cunningham continues to struggle, it will force Bickerstaff to reconsider his approach and potentially shift focus to veteran players like Jerami Grant and Hamidou Diallo. The playoffs are a crucible where raw talent must be tempered with experience and tactical acumen.

The debate over Cunningham's role will likely split fans and analysts down the middle, with some praising his potential and others questioning his readiness for such high-stakes games. Ultimately, Bickerstaff’s decision to lean on Cunningham could either solidify Detroit’s playoff run or lead to a swift exit.