Pistons' Cade Cunningham Stays Humble Despite Team's Success

The rising star says his grandma's advice to "stay humble" keeps him grounded.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham is not letting the team's success go to his head. Despite the Pistons having the best record in the Eastern Conference, Cunningham says he will never get a "big head" thanks to his grandmother's advice to "stay humble." The 25.3 points and 9.6 assists per game he's averaging this season have not changed his down-to-earth approach.

Why it matters

Cunningham's humility sets a strong example for young players and shows that even the most talented athletes can stay grounded. His commitment to the team ethos has helped the Pistons become one of the NBA's biggest surprises this season.

The details

Cunningham, who was drafted by the Pistons in 2021 when they were one of the league's worst teams, has been a key part of the team's dramatic turnaround. After a 14-68 season in 2023-24, the Pistons made the playoffs last year and now sit atop the Eastern Conference at 40-13 heading into the All-Star break. Despite the team's success and his own stellar individual play, Cunningham credits his grandmother's advice to "stay humble" for keeping him grounded.

  • The Pistons currently have the best record in the Eastern Conference at 40-13 heading into the All-Star break.
  • Cunningham is averaging 25.3 points and 9.6 assists per game this season.

The players

Cade Cunningham

The rising star of the Detroit Pistons, averaging 25.3 points and 9.6 assists per game this season.

Detroit Pistons

The NBA team that currently has the best record in the Eastern Conference at 40-13.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think I'll ever get a big head. Something my grandma used to always say is 'Just stay humble.' And this was way before I was ever known for basketball or anything. I had nothing that people were gassing me up about. But she was always saying, 'Stay humble'.”

— Cade Cunningham, Pistons Player (Andscape)

The takeaway

Cade Cunningham's humility and commitment to staying grounded, even as the Pistons have become one of the NBA's best teams, sets a positive example for young athletes. His grandmother's advice to "stay humble" has kept him focused on the team's success rather than his own individual accolades.