Cade Cunningham, the Detroit Pistons’ young and dynamic guard, is playing the best basketball of his career, sparking hope and excitement in a city that has long awaited a basketball revival. Selected as the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, Cunningham has endured immense challenges, from enduring three losing seasons to navigating through numerous coaching changes. Now, at just 23 years old, Cunningham is turning those struggles into success as he leads the Pistons toward their first playoff berth since 2019.
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The journey to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable. For Cunningham, it is not just about individual brilliance but also about lifting his team and city. “There is a different satisfaction knowing that you worked for something,” Cunningham said. “I wouldn’t want to do it with a different city than Detroit. I think they deserve to have a winning team. I want to be a part of that.”
A Long Road to Success
Cunningham joined the Pistons during a tumultuous period. Over his first three seasons, the Pistons suffered 192 losses, including a demoralizing 28-game losing streak. Despite these hardships, Cunningham never wavered in his commitment to the team and the city. He continued to grow as a player, averaging 17.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists as a rookie. However, injuries, including a season-ending shin surgery in 2022, and the instability of three head coaches in four seasons, made his journey even more challenging.
The arrival of head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and team president Trajan Langdon last offseason brought a fresh perspective and new energy to the franchise. Bickerstaff saw Cunningham as the centerpiece of the team’s future. “We are going to figure out how to make it work,” he told Cunningham upon joining the team. That trust and mutual respect have paid dividends, with Cunningham now delivering career-high performances and leading the Pistons to their best start in years.
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Emerging as a Leader
Cunningham’s leadership has been a key factor in the Pistons’ resurgence. With averages of 24.1 points, 9.5 assists, and 6.7 rebounds this season, he has not only been a statistical powerhouse but also a unifying force for his teammates. “I wanted to be that consistent figure leadership-wise,” Cunningham explained. “Coach [Bickerstaff] has challenged me to be the best leader I can be every day.”
Bickerstaff praised Cunningham’s impact both on and off the court. “He makes his teammates feel 7-feet tall and bulletproof,” Bickerstaff said. “They get better when he gets better. That is rare.”
Cunningham’s ability to navigate through adversity has solidified his role as the face of the franchise. His unselfishness and drive have earned him the respect of his teammates, who have rallied behind their young star despite the challenges posed by injuries to key players like Jayden Ivey and the integration of new veterans such as Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Malik Beasley.
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A City’s Embrace
Detroit has embraced Cunningham like few athletes before him. On the night of the 2021 NBA draft, Cunningham wore Cartier C Décor glasses, famously known as “Buffs,” a symbol of the city’s culture. Since then, local rappers have name-dropped him in their songs, murals have been painted in his honor, and fans have stood by him through thick and thin.
Cunningham reciprocated that love when he signed a five-year, $224 million contract extension in 2024, solidifying his commitment to Detroit. “The way [Detroiters] embraced me and my family was huge for me,” he said. “I just want to be a part of Detroit winning. I want to have my own chapter in history.”
Bickerstaff emphasized how well Cunningham embodies the city’s spirit. “Cade represents the city not only with his effort on the floor but with his mindset, the grit he plays with, the selflessness he plays with,” the coach said.
Aiming for the Playoffs and Beyond
Cunningham and the Pistons have set their sights on making the playoffs this season, a goal that seemed unattainable just a year ago. After starting 1-5, the team has won seven of their last nine games, defeating powerhouse teams like the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, and Minnesota Timberwolves. “We are really trying to get through that breakthrough,” Cunningham said. “What we are working to do is bring a playoff series to Detroit and win playoff games this season.”
Cunningham’s All-Star caliber play has been instrumental in this turnaround. He recently scored a season-high 40 points against the Timberwolves and has been praised for his defensive tenacity, often guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter player. Despite these achievements, Cunningham has yet to receive the league-wide recognition he deserves, ranking only sixth among Eastern Conference guards in early All-Star voting.
“It definitely bothered me,” Cunningham admitted, referring to his lack of notoriety. “But I knew that in due time if I continue to work, it will all come through.” His focus remains on leading the Pistons to success, knowing that team accomplishments will ultimately elevate his individual accolades.
A Bright Future Ahead
For the first time in years, the Pistons have a genuine sense of optimism. Cunningham’s growth, both as a player and a leader, has been the driving force behind the team’s resurgence. Detroiters, who have long cherished their city’s hardworking and resilient identity, see those same qualities reflected in their star guard.
“This team has been a lot of fun,” Cunningham said. “It feels good to do it for the city. We’re savoring every moment of this for sure. But we’ve got a long way to go. We are nowhere near our goals yet.”
With the playoffs firmly in their sights and Cunningham continuing to evolve into one of the league’s premier guards, the Pistons’ future looks brighter than ever. For Cunningham, it is not just about winning games—it is about building something meaningful for a city that has always had his back.
