At the All-Star break, the Detroit Pistons are sitting atop the Eastern Conference with a 40-13 record - and no, that’s not a typo. The team that just two seasons ago owned the league’s worst record has flipped the script in dramatic fashion. Now, they’re not just playoff-bound - they’re leading the East and playing with the kind of confidence and cohesion that makes them a legitimate threat come postseason.
But don’t expect Cade Cunningham to start talking like a superstar. Despite putting up All-NBA caliber numbers - 25.3 points and 9.6 assists per game on 46.2% shooting - the Pistons’ franchise cornerstone is keeping things grounded.
That humility? It’s not an act.
It’s deeply ingrained.
“I don't think I'll ever get a big head,” Cunningham said. “Something my grandma used to always say is, ‘Just stay humble.’ And this was way before I was ever known for basketball or anything.”
That mindset has carried over to the rest of the roster, and it shows in the way this team plays. The Pistons are winning with a blend of grit, chemistry, and unselfishness - a reflection of their leader’s approach.
Cunningham has scored at least 29 points in four of his last five games heading into the break, but it’s not just the scoring that’s setting him apart. It’s the control.
The poise. The way he dictates pace and makes the right read, time and again.
And while the Pistons have made some moves at the trade deadline, the core identity remains the same - a group of players who’ve had to fight their way into the league and are now thriving together. “I don't want to be too big time for anybody or anything,” Cunningham said.
“The whole team is built like that. A lot of guys on this team overcame a lot to get here.
And so, we kind of bond over that.”
It’s hard to overstate just how far this team has come. Back in the 2023-24 season, Detroit finished 14-68 - dead last in the NBA.
Just one year later, they jumped to 44-38 and made the playoffs. Now, they’re leading the East, with the Celtics three games back and the rest of the conference trailing by double digits.
This isn’t a fluke. The Pistons are defending, sharing the ball, and playing with a chip on their shoulder.
And Cunningham is the engine - not just with his play, but with his presence. He’s the kind of leader who doesn’t need to shout to be heard.
He sets the tone by example.
So while the standings say the Pistons are the best team in the East, don’t expect anyone in that locker room to act like they’ve arrived. They’re still climbing - and they’re doing it together.