Cade Cunningham is officially on the NBA’s radar in a big way - and it’s about time. After a scorching start to the 2025-26 season, the 24-year-old guard has been named the Eastern Conference Player of the Month for October and November. Averaging 29 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds per game over that stretch, Cunningham isn’t just putting up big numbers - he’s shaping the identity of one of the league’s most surprising teams.
Cade’s Breakout Is Fueling Wins - and Making a Statement
The Detroit Pistons have jumped out to a stunning 16-4 start, and make no mistake - Cade is the engine behind it all. He’s not just stuffing the stat sheet; he’s closing out games, dominating in crunch time, and proving himself as one of the NBA’s most reliable fourth-quarter performers. When the game tightens up, Cunningham’s poise, control, and scoring punch rise to another level - and opposing defenses are scrambling for answers.
What makes this even more impressive is what Cade doesn’t have around him. There’s no co-star soaking up defensive attention or taking pressure off his shoulders.
Jalen Duren has taken a leap as a scorer, sure, but he’s not a shot-creator. Much of Duren’s offense - and the Pistons’ overall flow - runs through Cade’s hands.
He’s orchestrating everything, setting the table for his teammates while still finding ways to get his own.
Elite Numbers, Even Without Elite Help
Cunningham currently ranks 8th in the league in scoring and 2nd in assists per game - a rare combination that puts him in elite company. He’s doing it without a floor full of shooters to space the court or a secondary playmaker to share the load. Defenses know what’s coming, but Cade’s ability to read the floor, manipulate coverages, and hit tough shots makes him nearly unguardable.
And he’s not just getting it done on offense.
In a recent win over the Hawks, Cunningham turned in a defensive masterclass: 6 steals, 3 blocks - from the point guard position. That kind of two-way impact is rare, especially from a player who’s also the offensive centerpiece.
His instincts, timing, and effort on the defensive end have helped push Detroit into the upper tier of NBA defenses. That’s not something you usually say about a team led by a young guard, but Cade isn’t your typical lead guard.
What’s Next for Cade and the Pistons?
Right now, Cunningham is carrying a heavy load - and doing it at an elite level. But if Detroit wants to make real noise in the postseason, the front office may need to think about adding another high-level scorer or playmaker.
A second star could ease Cade’s burden, boost his efficiency, and help preserve him for the long haul. Because while he’s thriving under pressure now, the grind of an 82-game season - followed by a playoff run - can wear even the best down.
Still, that’s a conversation for another day. For now, Cade Cunningham has arrived - officially.
He’s no longer just a promising young talent. He’s a bona fide star, leading a winning team, and finally getting the recognition that’s been building for years.
The Eastern Conference Player of the Month award is just the beginning. If this pace keeps up, we’re not just talking about an All-Star - we’re talking about a player who could be in the MVP conversation before long.
Detroit has its franchise cornerstone. The rest of the league is on notice.