Cade Cunningham for MVP? Jeff Teague Thinks So - And He Might Be Onto Something
Jeff Teague stirred the pot recently when he threw out a bold take: Cade Cunningham should be leading the MVP race. Not just in the mix - leading it. And while that might raise a few eyebrows in a season loaded with superstar performances from the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, and Nikola Jokic, there’s more to Teague’s argument than just hype.
Let’s break it down.
Cade’s Carrying the Load - Solo
What Teague pointed out is something that’s hard to ignore: Cade Cunningham is doing this without another star alongside him. No co-pilot.
No All-NBA sidekick. Just Cade, a young core, and a roster built more on grit than glamour.
And yet, here the Pistons are - sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings in one of the most dramatic turnarounds we’ve seen in recent memory.
That matters. Because when we talk MVP, we’re not just talking about stats.
We’re talking about value. And Cunningham’s value to this Pistons team?
Off the charts.
Jokic Did It in 2021 - Why Not Cade Now?
Teague’s comparison to Nikola Jokic’s 2021 MVP season is a fair one. Back then, Jokic was the lone star in Denver after injuries decimated the Nuggets’ roster.
He elevated everyone around him, and voters rewarded that impact. Cade’s doing something similar right now - orchestrating the offense, shouldering the scoring, and setting the tone for a young team that’s playing way above expectations.
And while Jokic had a few more years under his belt at that point, the principle remains the same: if you’re the engine of a winning team without another All-Star in sight, that’s MVP material.
Shades of Derrick Rose in 2011
There’s also a bit of Derrick Rose energy in what Cade’s doing - and not just because of the position. Back in 2011, Rose won MVP over a prime LeBron James.
Why? Because he took a Bulls team that wasn't expected to contend and turned them into a powerhouse.
He changed the culture. He led from the front.
Sound familiar?
Cade’s not just putting up numbers - he’s redefining what this Pistons team is. The identity starts with him: poised, tough, and unselfish.
Around him are defensive-minded role players who bring the intensity every night. It’s not flashy, but it works - and it’s winning.
MVP Is About More Than Stats
Yes, Luka is filling up the box score. Yes, Jokic is still doing Jokic things.
And yes, Shai has been phenomenal. But the MVP isn’t just about who has the prettiest stat line - it’s about who’s most valuable.
Who’s lifting their team beyond what anyone expected? Who’s changing the narrative?
Right now, that answer might just be Cade Cunningham.
So is Teague’s take that wild? Not really. In fact, if the Pistons keep this up and Cade continues to lead the way, we might be looking at one of the most compelling MVP campaigns in years - one built not on flash, but on foundation.