Dante Cunningham has played for five different NBA teams during his seven-year pro career, including spending most of his time in the Western Conference, with Portland, Memphis, Minnesota and New Orleans. In 2015-16, the Pelicans combo forward will attempt to reach the NBA playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time. Cunningham was instrumental during New Orleans’ push to the postseason in 2014-15, after signing as a free agent in December.
Most memorable moment in the NBA: “The first time I got traded was pretty significant to me. It was tough. You thought you’re going to be part of an organization; as a rookie, it’s definitely the hardest thing you’re going to learn about basketball in the NBA. Also my game-winning shot against Denver while I was in Memphis. It was a home game, during my third year in the league. It was a putback. Rudy Gay shot it and I tipped it in.”
Most memorable dunk in the NBA: “In Memphis, a playoff game against the Clippers, a shot came off the rim and I dunked it. Blake Griffin was trying to get it but I was there too.”
Most embarrassing moment in the NBA: “Nothing major, but when I was a rookie in Portland, I had Joel Przybilla making me carry his bags and getting him things.”
Most surprising thing about the NBA as a rookie: ���The amount of free time you don’t have. You don’t have much time to yourself at the end of the day.”
Toughest players to face at his position: “LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant. Guys that are skilled in different avenues of the game. They’re big, they can shoot, they can drive, they can pass it. Guys who do everything great.”
Best uniforms in the NBA (besides the Pelicans’): “Miami has some good ones – they’re always on TV. I also like the Spurs’ camo uniforms. I was feeling those ones.”
Favorite road arena: “Portland. They have a great atmosphere and get very amped for their team.”
Favorite road trip, based on the city: “I like going to California or Los Angeles for a West Coast trip. If you can spent a week out there, it’s cool.”