Pistons' Cade Cunningham Emerges as MVP Frontrunner

Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff praises Cunningham's all-around game and leadership as key to Pistons' success

Mar. 2, 2026 at 6:39pm

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Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham is making a strong case to win the 2025-26 NBA MVP award. Cunningham's exceptional play, including a recent 29-point, 11-assist performance in a win over the Orlando Magic, has helped lift the Pistons to the best record in the league at 45-14. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised Cunningham's all-around skills and winning mentality as the driving force behind the team's turnaround.

Why it matters

Cunningham's rise to MVP contention marks a significant milestone for the Pistons franchise, which has struggled in recent years. If he can maintain his elite production and help the Pistons secure the top seed in the Eastern Conference, Cunningham could become the first player in Pistons history to win the prestigious award.

The details

Cunningham is currently averaging 25.4 points, 9.8 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game, ranking him among the league leaders in several key statistical categories. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, including his strong defensive play against opponents' top scorers, has been a major factor in the Pistons' success. With 23 games remaining, Cunningham has a chance to solidify his case for MVP, especially with injuries sidelining some of the other top contenders like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.

  • The Pistons have 23 regular-season games left for Cunningham to make his MVP case.
  • Cunningham has helped the Pistons reach a 45-14 record, the best in the NBA so far this season.

The players

Cade Cunningham

The Detroit Pistons' All-Star point guard who is making a strong case to win the 2025-26 NBA MVP award.

J.B. Bickerstaff

The head coach of the Detroit Pistons, who has been a vocal advocate for Cunningham's MVP candidacy.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder guard who is currently the betting favorite to win the MVP award, but has missed extended time due to injury.

Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets center who is also a top MVP contender, but has missed time due to a knee injury.

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What they’re saying

“He's special because of the type of person that he is. He's special because of the type of teammate that he is. He's a blessing to be with and work with every single day.”

— J.B. Bickerstaff, Head Coach, Detroit Pistons

What’s next

The Pistons have eight more nationally televised games before the season ends, giving Cunningham more opportunities to showcase his MVP-caliber play on a larger stage. If he can continue to lead the Pistons to the top of the standings and put up elite numbers, he could become the first player in franchise history to win the MVP award.

The takeaway

Cade Cunningham's rise to MVP contention is a testament to his exceptional all-around game and leadership, which have been instrumental in the Pistons' remarkable turnaround. If he can maintain his current level of play and help the team secure the top seed in the East, Cunningham could cement his place in Pistons history by becoming the franchise's first-ever MVP winner.