The NBA landscape is buzzing with debate after a bold proclamation by ESPN analyst and retired player Kendrick Perkins, who declared Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham has "leapfrogged" Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic in the hierarchy of the league’s top players. With the Pistons surging to the best record in the NBA and Cunningham dazzling on both ends of the floor, the conversation about MVP candidates and the league’s elite has never been more heated.
Cunningham’s rise could hardly be more dramatic. After battling injuries in his first three seasons, the former Duke standout has blossomed into the undisputed leader of the Pistons. As of February 20, 2026, Detroit boasts a 41-13 record, sitting atop the Eastern Conference and outpacing expectations for a young squad still finding its identity. Cunningham’s recent performance against the New York Knicks—where he poured in 40 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out 13 assists—was a showcase of his all-around ability and the kind of game that fuels MVP chatter.
Perkins didn’t hold back on The Road Trippin’ Show, stating, “Cade Cunningham has just leapfrogged Luka Doncic as far as top-five players in the NBA in my eyes. Jaylen Brown is in that conversation as well. And Cade Cunningham plays both sides of the basketball. Jaylen Brown plays both sides of the basketball.” That’s high praise, especially considering Doncic’s offensive dominance and established NBA pedigree. Perkins’ top five now reads: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Cade Cunningham, and Jaylen Brown—with Doncic relegated to sixth place.
The reasoning behind Perkins’ claim is rooted in Cunningham’s two-way impact. While Doncic leads the league in scoring at 32.8 points per game, his defensive shortcomings have drawn persistent criticism. Despite a renewed commitment to fitness and a fresh start with the Lakers, Doncic’s effort on defense is still a talking point among analysts and fans alike. Perkins emphasized this divide: “Forget the point that he gave them 40-piece off flats, it’s the eight rebounds, it’s the 13 assists, and Cade Cunningham plays both sides of the basketball.”
This season, Cunningham’s all-around excellence has made the Pistons legitimate title contenders. Detroit’s ascent to the top of the Eastern Conference has been faster than almost anyone predicted. The Pistons are not just winning games—they are doing so with a style and confidence that signals a new era for the franchise. Cunningham’s leadership has been central to this transformation, and his ability to contribute offensively and defensively has drawn comparisons to the league’s most complete players.
But is Perkins anointing Cunningham too soon? That’s the million-dollar question. Doncic’s resume is nothing to sneeze at: since entering the league in 2018, he’s been an elite performer, leading the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals and two Western Conference Finals as the franchise centerpiece. Jokic, Gilgeous-Alexander, Brown, and Doncic have all captured NBA Championships and proven themselves on the biggest stage. Cunningham, though undeniably talented, still has to deliver in the postseason to silence skeptics and validate Perkins’ bold rankings.
“If Cunningham leads the Pistons to a title this season, this would be a different conversation,” noted NBA journalist Ryan Ward. “But the Duke product still has a lot to prove, as he only started to play at an elite level last season after battling through injuries his first three years in Detroit.” It’s a sentiment echoed by many around the league: regular season brilliance is one thing, but playoff success is the ultimate measure of greatness.
The MVP race further complicates the picture. According to Perkins and many fans, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the strong favorite for the award, despite currently being sidelined by injury. Gilgeous-Alexander can still miss up to eleven games and remain eligible. Nikola Jokic, another perennial MVP candidate, is right on his heels but can’t afford many more absences. Cunningham, along with Brown and Doncic, finds himself in the next tier—outsiders with a puncher’s chance if the frontrunners falter or if their own teams finish the season with a flourish.
Perkins’ assertion that Cunningham and Brown have surpassed Doncic is rooted in the belief that two-way players are more valuable in today’s NBA. “Jaylen Brown is in that conversation right now as well. You know why? Jaylen Brown plays both sides of the basketball,” Perkins explained. The implication is clear: in an era where versatility and defense matter more than ever, players like Cunningham and Brown are rising in stature.
Still, the road ahead is anything but easy for Cunningham and the Pistons. The Eastern Conference remains fiercely competitive, with three teams closely trailing Detroit as the playoffs approach. Every game down the stretch will be a test—not just of Cunningham’s individual brilliance, but of his ability to elevate his teammates and withstand the pressure that comes with being the hunted rather than the hunter.
The Pistons’ success has already shifted the narrative around the franchise. Once mired in rebuilding, Detroit now finds itself in the spotlight, with fans and pundits alike eager to see if this group can translate regular season dominance into a deep playoff run. The expectations are sky-high, and Cunningham’s performance in the postseason will go a long way in determining whether Perkins’ faith was justified or premature.
Meanwhile, Doncic’s journey with the Lakers is a story in its own right. After a dramatic departure from Dallas, Doncic dedicated himself to getting in shape and has posted staggering offensive numbers. Yet, the persistent questions about his defense remain a cloud over his candidacy for both MVP and the league’s top five. It’s a reminder that in the NBA, greatness is measured by more than just points per game.
As the regular season barrels toward its conclusion, the debate over the league’s best players will only intensify. Can Cunningham cement his place among the NBA’s elite with a playoff breakthrough? Will Doncic silence his critics and lead the Lakers on a deep postseason run? Or will established stars like Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, and Antetokounmpo continue to reign supreme?
For now, Perkins’ bold take has added fuel to the fire, raising the stakes for Cunningham, Doncic, and the rest of the NBA’s top talent. The race for supremacy is far from over—and the playoffs promise to deliver all the answers fans are craving.