Cade Cunningham is making a strong case to become the Detroit Pistons' first-ever MVP, and it's not just due to luck. The 2026 NBA MVP race has been full of surprises, with usual contenders like Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander facing injuries that threaten their eligibility. The NBA's 65-game threshold for postseason awards is a looming challenge for these stars.
Cunningham, however, has managed to stay on the court, and that consistency could be his ticket to MVP glory. Jokic is on the edge, with only one more game he can afford to miss. Doncic, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Victor Wembanyama are in similar situations, each with only a handful of games left to sit out before losing consideration.
Cunningham has missed just four games and is well-positioned to meet the requirement. His performance is nothing short of stellar, leading the East-leading Pistons with an All-NBA level of play. His averages of 25.5 points and a career-high 9.8 assists per game are impressive, and he tops the league with 478 total assists in 49 games.
The Pistons' remarkable turnaround over the past two seasons is a testament to Cunningham's impact. They stand at 42-13, 5.5 games ahead of the Boston Celtics, and boast the league's second-ranked defense. As they gear up to face the Spurs, Thunder, and Cavaliers, Cunningham's leadership continues to shine, making his MVP candidacy all the more compelling.