Cade Cunningham is making waves in the MVP conversation after a standout performance against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The Pistons' star is not just leading his team; he's drawing comparisons to Derrick Rose, the only Bull besides Michael Jordan to snag the MVP award. The parallels between Rose's 2011 season and Cade's current run are hard to ignore.
Just like Rose back in the day, Cunningham is the offensive powerhouse for a team primarily built on defense. In 2011, Rose became the youngest MVP, guiding the Bulls to an impressive 62-20 record. The Pistons are on a similar trajectory, despite the absence of other top-tier talents alongside Cunningham.
Cade's expected partner in crime, Jaden Ivey, has struggled to find his rhythm post-injury and was traded to the Bulls, where he's still searching for consistent playtime. This has left Cunningham with the heavy lifting, both as a scorer and facilitator.
Rose faced a similar scenario during his MVP season. Besides Rose, only Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer managed over 15 points per game, with Boozer missing significant time. Yet, Rose powered through, averaging 25 points and eight assists, keeping the offense alive while the defense held strong.
Cunningham is putting up comparable numbers, adjusted for today's game pace - 26 points and 10 assists per game. Despite challenging spacing, he crafts effective offense with his elite body control and ball handling. His defensive contributions are equally vital, mirroring Rose's dual impact.
The 2026 Pistons and 2011 Bulls both managed to outshine supposed super teams - Rose against the Big 3 Heat and Cunningham against the reigning champion Thunder. This ability to elevate a team's success is a hallmark of true MVP caliber.
Both Rose and Cunningham have become MVP contenders through unique paths, not just with flashy stats but with undeniable impact and team success. Cade might just surprise everyone and clinch the MVP title this season, joining Rose as one of the youngest ever to achieve this honor.