Cade Cunningham Chasing Pistons' First Assist Crown in 40 Years

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Cade Cunningham is having a standout season for the Detroit Pistons, currently averaging 10 assists per game and challenging Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic for the NBA's season assist leader title. If Cunningham can overtake Jokic, he would become the first Piston to lead the league in assists since Isiah Thomas in 1984-85, and only the third Piston ever to achieve the feat.

Why it matters

Cunningham's pursuit of the assist crown is a testament to his growth as a playmaker and the Pistons' resurgence this season. Winning the assist title would cement Cunningham's status as one of the league's premier young talents and add to the Pistons' storied history.

The details

Cunningham is currently second in the NBA in assists per game at 10.0, trailing only Jokic's 10.4. However, Jokic has played in fewer games and may not meet the minimum games played requirement to qualify for the statistical title. This could open the door for Cunningham to claim the crown, which would make him only the third Piston ever to lead the league in assists, after Isiah Thomas and Kevin Porter.

• Cunningham has played in 58 games so far this season.
• Jokic has played in only 53 games, and needs to play in at least 7 more to remain eligible for the assist title.
• There are less than 20 games remaining in the regular season.

What’s next

With only 15 games remaining for Nikola Jokic, he must play in at least 7 more games to remain eligible for the assist title. This eligibility requirement could eliminate Jokic, leaving Cunningham atop the stat race.