Cunningham hosted his second annual “817 Day” on Monday at George Stevens Park, which houses one of several basketball courts he frequented as a child. The community celebration in honor of Arlington’s 817 area code offered an opportunity for children to play on a newly renovated court with Cunningham’s signature logo. Basketball was the primary focus, but the final question of the day was centered on baseball.
“Win some games. Hit some home runs. Get some stops,” Cunningham said. “Get outs and home runs. That’s what we need.”
The 24-year-old Cunningham joined Sportsology Capital Partners, a collective of athlete investors, and the group purchased a minority ownership stake in the Rangers in February. Cunningham has thrown out the first pitch at Rangers games twice since entering the NBA as the No. 1 overall pick in 2021.
Cunningham earned a First-Team All-NBA nod last season, averaging 23.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 9.9 assists while leading the Pistons to a 60-22 record and the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed. He has lived in Detroit for the last five years, but giving back to the city that shaped him remains a priority.
“I carry it with me everywhere I go,” Cunningham said. “ I try to represent The 817 and Texas. It’s a blessing. It’s hard to put my finger on what makes this place so special. It’s so many things about it, but the people from here know.”