The basketball world is celebrating a major milestone for one of its brightest young stars. Cade Cunningham, the dynamic guard for the Detroit Pistons, has been named to the All-NBA Third Team for the first time in his career. This honor marks a turning point not just for Cunningham as an individual, but also signals hope and progress for a Pistons franchise that has been searching for a new identity.
Drafted first overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, Cunningham came into the league with high expectations. Touted as a versatile playmaker with elite basketball IQ, his early years were marred by injuries and a rebuilding roster that struggled to find consistency. However, through it all, Cade remained committed to his craft, and the 2024–25 season proved to be his breakout year — both statistically and in terms of leadership.
This season, Cunningham averaged 24.7 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple facets. More impressively, he did it with poise, efficiency, and a maturity that belied his age. His field goal percentage climbed to a career-best 47.8%, and his improved decision-making was evident in a lower turnover rate, despite handling the ball on nearly every possession for Detroit.
Cunningham’s inclusion on the All-NBA Third Team is a testament to his growth, and also to his resilience. After missing much of his sophomore season due to a shin injury, many doubted whether he would return to full form. But he not only came back stronger, he came back smarter — more patient, more vocal as a leader, and more determined to uplift the team around him.
For the Pistons, this recognition is about more than just one player. It’s a symbol of potential finally being realized. The franchise has endured years of rebuilding, lottery picks, and coaching changes. Yet through all the upheaval, Cunningham has remained the constant — the cornerstone around which the team has been built. And now, with his name etched among the NBA’s elite, Detroit fans have every reason to believe that the darkest days are behind them.
Cunningham’s game has always drawn comparisons to greats like Luka Dončić and Chris Paul — guards who blend size, skill, and intelligence with an uncanny ability to control the tempo of a game. This season, Cade took those comparisons and made them real. Whether it was delivering clutch buckets, threading impossible passes, or locking in on defense against the opposing team’s best guard, he made winning plays night after night.
What sets Cunningham apart isn’t just the numbers. It’s how he carries himself. Even as he received the All-NBA nod, Cade was quick to credit his teammates and coaching staff. “This is a team award,” he said in a post-announcement interview. “I wouldn’t be here without the guys I go to battle with every night. We’re building something special in Detroit, and this is just the beginning.”
Indeed, the Pistons showed signs of life this season. While they didn’t make the playoffs, their 34-win season was a significant step forward from the previous year’s 17-win campaign. Cunningham’s chemistry with young teammates like Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, and Jalen Duren provided fans with glimpses of what could be a formidable core in the years to come.
NBA analysts were nearly unanimous in praising Cunningham’s All-NBA selection. ESPN’s Zach Lowe described Cade as “the beating heart of the Pistons’ rebuild — a player who not only produces on the court but elevates the players around him.” Others pointed out that if Detroit can continue to develop its roster and stay healthy, Cunningham could soon find himself climbing even higher — perhaps an All-NBA Second or First Team selection in the near future.
Cunningham’s ascent also brings renewed attention to Detroit as a basketball city. With a rich history that includes legends like Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Ben Wallace, and Chauncey Billups, the Pistons are a franchise steeped in tradition. Cunningham’s All-NBA honor feels like the start of a new chapter — one in which Detroit can once again be a destination for competitive basketball and playoff excitement.
Off the court, Cade continues to be a role model and community leader. He’s been active in youth development programs across Detroit, emphasizing education, mentorship, and health awareness. His calm demeanor, articulate interviews, and strong sense of purpose have made him not only a star athlete but also a figure young fans can look up to.
As he reflects on his All-NBA Third Team selection, Cunningham remains focused on the bigger picture. “This is cool,” he said, “but it’s not the goal. The goal is winning. The goal is championships. We’ve got work to do.”
There’s little doubt that more accolades will come his way. But for now, Cade Cunningham’s All-NBA selection is both a personal triumph and a powerful signal to the rest of the league: the kid from Arlington, Texas, who once dreamed of NBA stardom, is here — and he’s just getting started.
