The Detroit Pistons are showcasing some of the most dynamic playmaking in the NBA, and at the heart of it is their star point guard, Cade Cunningham. During the recent NBA All-Star Game, Cunningham turned heads and silenced any remaining doubters with a standout performance. He posted an impressive stat line of 15 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and three blocks over three games, leading Team USA Stars to a 2-1 record and the All-Star crown alongside teammate Jalen Duren.
Cunningham's blend of raw talent and instinctive feel for the game, honed over five years in the league, is becoming increasingly recognized beyond Detroit's loyal fanbase. His performance is backed by compelling metrics that highlight his dominance this season.
According to a collaborative project tagged by Pistons Roundtable on X, Cunningham leads the NBA in total assists, secondary assists, and assists per minute, with 15.4% of his passes turning into assists. This demonstrates his ability to maintain high assist numbers while playing efficiently, even on a team that lacks significant three-point shooting depth outside of Duncan Robinson and possibly Kevin Huerter.
Under head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Cunningham has been given the reins of the Pistons' half-court offense. The pick and roll with Jalen Duren has become a cornerstone of their strategy, allowing Cunningham to either set up Duren or find his own mid-range opportunities when defenses close off passing lanes.
During the All-Star Game, Cunningham's chemistry with Duren was on full display, reminiscent of their regular-season synergy. Despite limited practice time, Cunningham seamlessly set up the 22-year-old center, showcasing his control and poise on the court.
Cunningham's ability to create shots for himself while facilitating for teammates is exceptional, especially when factoring in his low turnover rate. This makes him stand out as one of the top playmakers in the league.
His partnership with Duren is particularly noteworthy, with 93 assists between them, ranking them fourth in the NBA for assist combinations. This dynamic duo has been instrumental in propelling the Pistons to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Beyond Duren, Cunningham effectively utilizes Duncan Robinson and Ausar Thompson to keep defenses on their toes, ensuring the Pistons remain a versatile offensive threat. His understanding of when to take charge and when to defer to teammates highlights his maturity and basketball IQ, avoiding the common pitfalls of many ball-dominant scorers.
Whether at Little Caesars Arena or on the All-Star stage, Cunningham is cementing his status as one of the most impactful point guards in the game today. His playmaking prowess is not just elevating his game but also transforming the Pistons into serious contenders.