NBA fans were treated to exciting news on December 23, 2024, as San Antonio Spurs forward-center Victor Wembanyama and Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham were named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for the week of December 16-22, 2024. This announcement marks both players' first time receiving the coveted recognition.
Cade Cunningham, now enjoying his fourth season with the Pistons, has been proving his doubters wrong with impressive performances. During the week, he averaged 27 points, 12.7 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and recorded two blocks per game. His standout moment came when he led the Pistons to victory over the Miami Heat with his sixth triple-double of the season, which included 20 points, 18 assists, and 11 rebounds. This was instrumental for the Pistons as they took the win with one point to spare in overtime.
Despite suffering a setback against the Utah Jazz, where Cunningham scored 33 points, the week concluded positively for him with another win against the Phoenix Suns, totalling 28 points and 13 assists. His performance has been noteworthy this season, with overall averages of 24 points, 9.7 assists, and 7.1 rebounds per game. Interestingly, these assists represent the highest average for the Pistons since Isiah Thomas achieved 10 assists per game during the 1986-87 season.
On the other hand, Victor Wembanyama, who was the first overall pick of the NBA draft the previous year, dominated during his two games against the Atlanta Hawks and the Portland Trail Blazers. Averaging 36.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 7 blocks across 33.5 minutes, Wembanyama showcased his incredible shooting touch, posting impressive shooting percentages of 52.5% from the field, 47.8% from three-point range, and 82.6% from the free-throw line. His performance against the Blazers was particularly historic, as he matched his career high with 10 blocked shots, leaving fans and analysts alike buzzing about his potential.
Fans have begun to take notice of the heights both players could reach—Cunningham’s resurgence following last season's struggles has prompted conversations about his future as a franchise centerpiece. One fan remarked, “I’ve prayed for this day!” echoing sentiments shared among the Pistons' faithful who have long desired to see the team succeed.
Wembanyama's success has sparked comparisons to series talents, with one Spurs team source noting how he may emulate greats like Kevin Durant rather than traditional centers like Hakeem Olajuwon. This perspective helps explain why approximately 50% of Wembanyama’s shot attempts come from beyond the arc—an increasingly valued skill set for modern big men.
Both players were considered formidable during the selection process for Player of the Week honors, with Cunningham beating out other strong contenders like Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Maxey, whereas Wembanyama outperformed Dillon Brooks, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and even LeBron James for his accolade. This recognition not only shines the spotlight on the players but also elevates their franchises as both strive for playoff aspirations.
Detroit, finding itself with 12 wins already this season, looks to build on this momentum. Should things stay the course, fans are optimistic about Cunningham leading the Pistons toward achieving their first winning streak of at least four games since 2019. With Cunningham now having achieved this landmark honor, chatter about the possibility of him becoming the team's first All-Star representative since 2019 has begun to gain traction.
The future looks encouraging for both players as their recent accolades and performances have drawn eyes to the teams and provided hope for renewed success on the court. The NBA is always more thrilling with rising stars showcasing their talent, and Wembanyama and Cunningham are leading the charge effectively.
Fans have taken to social media to share their joy over Cunningham's accomplishment, celebrating his performance and encouraging all-star voting. The camaraderie and excitement surrounding the NBA are palpable, and with talents like these two players at the forefront, the league's future is bright.
With the season progressing, all eyes will now be on both players as they aim to sustain their impressive form and contribute to their respective teams. Can Cunningham continue his breakout year? Will Wembanyama keep establishing himself as one of the league’s brightest young stars? Only time will tell, but for now, the accolades are well-earned for both players—two former No. 1 overall picks recognized for their exceptional feats on the court.
