Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham is making the MVP conversation genuinely exciting. In the Pistons’ win over the New York Knicks, Cunningham put on a show with 27 points and 13 assists, reminding everyone why he’s the centerpiece of this team. But this season for Cade has been about more than just the numbers.
His leadership and accountability have been key to the Pistons’ 27-9 start. Beyond his own performance, Cunningham’s play has lifted the entire roster, giving his teammates the kind of confidence you want from a franchise player—where his actions back up his words and set the tone for everyone else.
There’s no question Cunningham has solidified his stardom this season. But does that make him an MVP favorite? Let’s dive in.
Why Cade Cunningham Deserves Serious Consideration For MVP
Building on Momentum
Last season, Cunningham showed what he was capable of when healthy. Making his first All-Star team and landing on the All-NBA Third Team, he firmly put himself on the radar as a player to watch. The question after that season was whether it was a glimpse of the future or just a standout year. This season has answered that question.
Cunningham has taken his game to another level. He’s averaging 2.3 more points per game than last season, while his rebounds (6.7 vs. 6.2) and assists (9.7 vs. 9.5) have remained steady. Cunningham delivers exactly the consistent, impactful production you want from your team’s best player.
Crunch-Time King
Cunningham doesn’t just perform—he performs when it matters most. In tight fourth quarters or critical moments, he takes control without forcing the action. What sets him apart is his ability to dictate the game at his own pace. He reads the defense, slows the tempo when needed, and accelerates when the moment calls for it, turning pressure situations into opportunities for his team.
Opponents may try to disrupt him, but Cunningham thrives under pressure, hitting tough shots, making decisive passes, and maintaining composure when others might panic. He doesn’t chase the moment—he creates it. That poise, confidence, and command over the game add another layer to his MVP case, proving he’s not just a stat-sheet star, but a true game-changer.
Cunningham’s MVP Case
Cunningham currently sits at sixth in the updated NBA MVP race. With injuries slowing down front-runners like Nikola Jokić, Cunningham could easily move up if he continues his dominant play and the Pistons maintain their pace. The real question is: should he already be closer to the top of the list?
If you let the national media tell it, the Pistons were expected to be a middle-of-the-pack team in a wide-open Eastern Conference. Outside of Cunningham, the roster was viewed as limited, lacking the star power typically associated with MVP contention. Yet here they are, the best team in the Eastern Conference. Much of that is because of Cunningham. He’s not just putting up stats—he’s leading a team that was supposed to struggle, elevating everyone around him in the process.
Cunningham’s impact goes beyond points and assists. He’s one of the league’s best closers, sets the tone defensively, and makes his teammates better. Players like Duncan Robinson and Jalen Duren are thriving because of the opportunities Cunningham creates and the attention he commands. Cunningham’s production and leadership, along with the Pistons’ success, firmly place him in MVP contention, where both excellence and impact matter.
The Last Word
Cade Cunningham isn’t just playing like a star—he’s carrying a franchise on his back. Night after night, he’s delivering big numbers, inspiring his teammates, and proving doubters wrong. The Detroit Pistons’ 27-9 start isn’t a fluke—it’s a statement, and Cade is the reason behind it. Cunningham dominates, impacts, and transforms the Pistons. He’s not just in the MVP race, he belongs at the top.
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images