Cade Cunningham, the 23-year-old point guard for the Detroit Pistons, has made headlines this NBA season with his standout performances. Following several seasons marked by difficulties, Cunningham is now being considered for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, with many observers feeling he deserves the recognition due to his explosive impact on the court.
During the current season, Cunningham has been nothing short of remarkable. He is averaging 23.5 points per game, shooting efficiently at 45.1% from the field and 38.6% from beyond the arc. But it’s not just about scoring; he’s also dishing out 9.7 assists, ranking him third overall in the league, and pulling down 7.5 rebounds. His success on the court is underscored by six triple-doubles, placing him right behind NBA stars Nikola Jokic and LeBron James.
On December 16, Cunningham delivered another stellar performance, leading the Pistons to a narrow 125-124 overtime victory against the Miami Heat. He posted his sixth triple-double of the season with contributions of 20 points, 11 rebounds, and a career-high 18 assists, showcasing his evolution as both scoring and playmaking threat.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has been outspoken about Cunningham’s growth, saying, "Anytime you get acknowledged like this, I think it’s huge... the work he’s put in, how he’s helped this team... he carries his teammates. He is an absolutely amazing leader at this age." Bickerstaff’s endorsement carries weight, as he highlights not only Cunningham’s numbers but also his ability to uplift those around him.
Despite injuring himself during his sophomore season and struggling through last year’s challenging campaign, Cunningham has made waves this season, transforming the Pistons' fortune. The team, which had finished with the worst record the previous season, now sits at 11-16 and has aspirations of making the playoffs, with Cunningham at the helm leading the charge.
Cunningham's growing status is evidenced by his clutch plays against competitive teams, nailing game-winning shots and making pivotal defensive stops. His performances against the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Lakers have become signature moments reflecting his resilience and competitive spirit.
He remains optimistic about his All-Star chances, stating, "I believe I am. Whenever I’m on the court every night, I feel like I’m the best player. I try to do whatever it takes to help my team win." His self-belief, compounded with the support of his teammates and coaching staff, fuels the conversation around his All-Star potential.
The Pistons have invested this offseason to surround Cunningham with talent, acquiring veteran shooters and players who complement his skill set, such as Tim Hardaway Jr. and Tobias Harris. This strategic roster re-tooling aims to maximize Cunningham’s talent and create opportunities not only for him but for the entire team.
This season has also seen Cunningham join elite company, being one of only six players to record at least 3,000 points, 900 assists, and 150 steals within their first 150 games. Joining legends like Allen Iverson and Isiah Thomas, Cunningham's early career statistics have drawn attention league-wide.
The jump from last season’s woes to this year’s success is particularly poignant for Cunningham, who aims to cement himself as one of the elite guards in the NBA. While the regular season is still young and the All-Star announcement is months away, his gameplay, leadership, and determination are clear indicators of his growing influence on the court.
The Pistons, rejuvenated under Bickerstaff’s leadership, are staking their claim as contenders, and much of this surge is due to Cunningham's remarkable play. He's brought vigor back to Detroit basketball, captivating fans and reclaiming respect for the franchise. Fans eagerly anticipate watching him continue to evolve and perhaps achieve All-Star honors this season, marking the beginning of what could be a stellar NBA career.
Mark your calendars, as Cade Cunningham and the Pistons look to take on the Utah Jazz again soon, where all eyes will be on their star point guard as he continues to ascend within the ranks of NBA's top talent.
