Cade Cunningham’s rise in Detroit hasn’t just been about points or highlight reels - it’s been about evolution. From the moment he was drafted No. 1 overall, Pistons fans saw him as the centerpiece of their rebuild. But here in the 2025-26 season, Cunningham isn’t just leading Detroit - he’s turning into one of the most complete players in the league.
Let’s start with the defensive end, where Cunningham has quietly become a force. According to official team data, he currently leads the NBA in defended field goal percentage among players with at least 300 defended shot attempts.
Opponents are shooting just 40.8% against him - 130 makes on 319 attempts. That’s not just solid; that’s elite.
It’s the kind of number you usually associate with defensive specialists, not primary ball-handlers carrying the offensive load.
But that’s what makes Cunningham’s leap so impressive - he’s doing both. Through mid-December, he’s averaging 27.1 points and 9.2 assists per game, putting him in rare air when it comes to two-way production. He’s not just holding his own on defense; he’s locking up top scorers while also running the offense as Detroit’s lead playmaker.
And the numbers back it up. He leads the league in games with at least 15 points, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks - a stat line that screams versatility and effort on both ends.
It’s not just about volume; it’s about impact. Cunningham is setting the tone every night, and the Pistons are following his lead.
That defensive jump is especially notable when you consider who he’s being compared to. Guards like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are known for their offensive prowess, but Cunningham is now setting himself apart by being just as committed on the other side of the floor. He’s not just a scorer anymore - he’s becoming a true two-way star.
You can see that growth in how he approaches big matchups. Take the recent win in Boston, for example.
Even without Jayson Tatum, the Celtics are still one of the East’s top-tier squads, and games against them always bring a playoff-level intensity. For a young Pistons team, those are the kinds of tests that reveal who you are - and who you’re becoming.
“They’re a championship team; they’ve got a championship identity,” Cunningham said after the win. “They play a great brand of basketball, so it’s always a test for us. It’s a game we love coming in for because we know they’re going to test us.”
That mindset says a lot. Cunningham isn’t just putting up numbers - he’s embracing the challenge, leaning into the grind, and setting the tone for a team that’s been through its share of struggles.
Remember, this is the same Pistons group that not long ago set an NBA record with 28 straight losses. Fast forward to now, and they’ve taken two of three from Boston this season, with one more game on the horizon in January.
For Detroit, that’s progress. For Cunningham, it’s proof that the work is paying off.
He’s not just growing into a star - he’s becoming the kind of player who can change a franchise’s trajectory. The numbers show it.
The eye test confirms it. And if this keeps up, Cade Cunningham won’t just be leading the Pistons - he’ll be leading conversations about the NBA’s best two-way guards.