Cade Cunningham is emerging as one of the top stars in the NBA. This season, Cunningham is averaging 25.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 9.6 assists per game.
The Detroit Pistons guard is ranked fourth on the latest edition of the NBA’s MVP Ladder, behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Luka Doncic. He is the highest-ranked American on the list.
In an interview with GQ, Cunningham suggested that NBA officials aren’t giving him the same treatment as other top players in the league.
“I thought it was really cool that people started appreciating my game in that way. I’m like, man, I know I’m better than yada yada yada. But I don’t get the same respect from the refs. I’m not getting the same foul calls. So people feel like this guy might be better than me, and he’s nowhere near better than me!”
Top Contender in the East
While Cunningham may feel underestimated in comparison to the league’s top superstars, he is undoubtedly Detroit’s leader. The 24-year-old is leading the Pistons in points and assists this season.
Detroit’s other notable players include Jalen Duren, Tobias Harris, Duncan Robinson, and Ausar Thompson. J.B. Bickerstaff serves as the team’s head coach.
Cunningham and Duren were members of Team Stars during the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. It was the second All-Star appearance for Cunningham and the first All-Star appearance for Duren.
In terms of team success, the Pistons hold the top record in the Eastern Conference. The Boston Celtics, holding the second position, are 5.5 games behind Detroit.
After five years of postseason droughts, Detroit is on pace to make a second consecutive playoff appearance. Last season, the Pistons lost to the New York Knicks in the opening round of the playoffs.
With Cunningham paving the way, the Pistons are on course to have one of their most dominant runs in recent history. If the franchise can secure five more regular-season wins, it will have its winningest regular season since 2008.
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