After a narrow defeat to the Brooklyn Nets, the Detroit Pistons faced a historic low, marking their 27th consecutive loss in a single season on December 26, 2023. The atmosphere in the locker room was heavy, with the team teetering on the edge of what could become the worst season in NBA history. In this moment, Cade Cunningham, the team`s young leader at 22, stepped up to address his teammates.
“Don`t lose faith,” he urged. “It`s easy to become isolated right now, but we need to rely on each other, push each other, and hold each other accountable more than ever.”
Cunningham`s words carried weight, given his personal journey. Drafted as the No. 1 pick in 2021, he had already experienced a challenging rookie season with only 23 wins, followed by an injury-plagued season with just 17 wins. Now, he was navigating a season threatening to break unwanted records.
Having endured a franchise-worst 14-68 record last season, Cunningham is channeling those experiences into leading a remarkable turnaround for the Pistons this year. His performance is silencing any doubts about his potential and positioning him as a frontrunner for the NBA`s Most Improved Player award.
“Initially, there was reason for skepticism,” Cunningham admitted when discussing early criticisms. “But I`ve felt support from day one here, and my main goal has been to live up to my commitment.”
This season, the Detroit Pistons have achieved a 42-32 record as they head into a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. This resurgence is historically significant, making them the first NBA team to triple their previous season`s win total, excluding lockout-shortened seasons.
Cunningham is currently achieving career-best averages in points (25.7), assists (9.2), and field goal percentage (46.2%). He is on track to be the first Pistons player to average 25 points per game since Jerry Stackhouse in 2000-01, who set a franchise record with 29.8 PPG.
Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans commented, “I don’t think he’s getting the recognition he deserves. In my view, he’s playing at an All-NBA level this year. He’s consistently performing, and from what I’ve observed and in my interactions with him, he’s someone who prefers to let his actions speak louder than words.”
Cunningham`s current trajectory could place him among the elite in Pistons history, potentially joining Isiah Thomas and Kevin Porter as the only players to average nine or more assists per game in a season, and possibly becoming the first to achieve a 25-9 season.
However, Cunningham`s ambitions extend beyond individual stats.
“I believe I can become the best player in the world. I feel like I`m on that path,” Cunningham stated. “I want people to recognize that, and I`m dedicated to demonstrating it every time I play.”
In a game on March 19 against Miami, Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was courtside, eager to witness a Pistons victory firsthand. The game was tied at 113-113 in the final seconds.
As St. Brown filmed the moment, Pistons veteran Tim Hardaway Jr. passed the ball to Cunningham, who then hit a game-winning 25-foot three-pointer at the buzzer, securing an improbable win.
Cunningham celebrated the victory, holding up his Pistons jersey to the cheering crowd. He concluded the game with a triple-double: 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Andre Drummond, formerly of the Pistons, shared the celebratory image of Cunningham, showing his continued support for Detroit, a city he considers home and where he hopes to retire.
“It`s great to see Detroit winning. People might find it odd that I still support Detroit, but it’s my home,” Drummond explained. “Seeing the city`s success and the team`s progress makes me feel connected, even though I`m not currently playing for them.”
St. Brown draws parallels between Cunningham`s journey and his own with the Lions, who have transformed from a struggling team to a 15-win season.
“Although it`s a different sport, our paths to team success are similar. I understand what it feels like,” St. Brown noted.
“It’s inspiring to watch their journey from the bottom to becoming a competitive team. I see a lot of similarities between the Lions and the Pistons.”
Cunningham quickly won over Detroit fans, embracing the city`s culture from draft night by sporting Cartier sunglasses, known locally as `Buffs.`
He immersed himself in the city`s culture through local artists and media, connecting with the city`s pulse. When Cunningham was selected for his first NBA All-Star game, local rapper 42 Dugg was among the first to celebrate the news.
“Cade really fits into our city`s culture, being young and on the rise,” 42 Dugg shared. “He’s one of us. We`ve seen him around, and he gives us a hometown hero to support. We’re all rooting for Cade.”
Cunningham has achieved nine triple-doubles this season, ranking third in Pistons history, only behind Grant Hill. His playing style is often compared to Hill`s, before injuries impacted his career.
Hill, now with USA Basketball, appreciates the comparison and sees Cunningham as a potential key player for future national teams.
“I see similarities in how we approach the game, trying to control it and impact it in various ways,” Hill commented.
“He has a high basketball IQ and incredible instincts. I believe those are some of the qualities we share on the court.”
When asked about Cunningham`s most underrated quality, many point to his leadership, evident during both losing streaks and recent wins.
“It’s rare to find someone who grows and brings others along,” said Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff. “Cade has an exceptional ability to not only focus on his own development but also ensure his teammates are progressing alongside him, offering them the same opportunities.”
Cunningham is among the league leaders in points created from drives and has set up numerous three-pointers for teammate Malik Beasley and dunks for Jalen Duren, highlighting his playmaking abilities.
This potential led Pistons owner Tom Gores to commit to a maximum rookie extension for Cunningham, a decision he confidently defends.
“What I saw in Cade was more than just on-court talent. He faced adversity head-on and took responsibility,” Gores stated. “He didn`t waver or blame others. He was fully committed to Detroit.”
“We knew changes were needed, and tough times reveal character. His handling of the challenges convinced me. I never doubted my decision.”
Despite playing under three different coaches in four seasons and missing a significant part of one season due to injury, Cunningham expresses that he’s currently enjoying the game more than ever as he leads Detroit`s resurgence.
“Winning. That’s the main difference,” Cunningham reflected. “Winning is fun. Losing isn`t. Playing meaningful games and being in a position to win consistently has made this year incredibly enjoyable.”
Duren added, “He`s only going to improve. We`re probably seeing the least developed version of Cade right now.”
