Waiting to see if Jalen Duren will also be called up, the Pistons are already guaranteed to have a representative at the all-star game: Cade Cunningham. After being selected for the first time last year as a substitute, the Detroit leader will this time start.
« It’s obviously a blessing to be named a starter for the All-Star Game. I’m super grateful for that. Thanks to my team, my coaches, the fans and everyone who voted for me. This means a lot to my family and me », Reacted the Pistons player after the victory against the Celtics.
A selection which does not suffer from any dispute for a player who this season is averaging 25.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 9.8 assists per game. His turnover quota is the second highest behind Nikola Jokic and the highest for a Pistons player since former hometown legend Isiah Thomas in 1986/87.
Also, Cade Cunningham becomes the first representative of Detroit to be included in the five of an All-Star Game since Allen Iverson in 2009. What sealed his selection was being voted number 1 in the East by the other players in the league, an electoral college which accounts for 25% of the final vote.
« More than anything, what you’re looking for is the respect of your peers, so that means a lot to me. It’s simply a testimony to the success we have collectively », says the 24-year-old player.
“He did everything he had to do to deserve this.”
« When you play in such a competitive league, with guys who have such a competitive spirit and they respect your game that much, it says a lot about what he accomplished and the impact he had on the game, on this team and on the organization. The impact he has on his teammates, on his coaches… He did everything necessary to deserve this. Receiving this recognition from guys you respect is something very powerful. », Testifies his coach, JB Bickerstaff.
At the same time, his popularity and that of his team is on the rise, driven by an exceptional first half of the season. Detroit notably left its mark with a series of 13 consecutive victories, three convincing successes against the Celtics, a prestigious victory on the Lakers floor, or even a resounding revenge against the Knicks, who eliminated them in the last playoffs.
Above all, while they were not really expected at such a level, Michigan players are firmly established at the top of their conference. With a record of 31 wins and 10 losses, they are even five wins ahead of their pursuers, the Celtics (26 wins – 16 losses).
« The league is obliged to respect that. Being No. 1 in the East, night after night, and finding ways to get wins. The league respects that and that’s what I appreciate. That’s what we all want: to be respected by those we play against. », Continues Cade Cunningham, whose name is also mentioned for the MVP trophy.
| Cade Cunningham | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saison | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | To | Pd | Fte | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2021-22 | THE | 64 | 32:38 | 41.6 | 31.4 | 84.5 | 0.9 | 4.6 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 3.1 | 1.2 | 3.7 | 0.7 | 17.4 |
| 2022-23 | THE | 12 | 33:20 | 41.5 | 27.9 | 83.7 | 1.0 | 5.2 | 6.2 | 6.0 | 2.8 | 0.8 | 3.3 | 0.6 | 19.9 |
| 2023-24 | THE | 62 | 33:27 | 44.9 | 35.5 | 86.9 | 0.5 | 3.8 | 4.3 | 7.5 | 2.5 | 0.9 | 3.4 | 0.4 | 22.7 |
| 2024-25 | THE | 70 | 35:02 | 46.9 | 35.6 | 84.6 | 0.8 | 5.3 | 6.1 | 9.1 | 2.8 | 1.0 | 4.4 | 0.8 | 26.1 |
| 2025-26 | THE | 36 | 35:27 | 45.2 | 32.7 | 82.4 | 1.0 | 4.9 | 5.9 | 9.8 | 3.3 | 1.4 | 3.8 | 0.8 | 25.7 |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
