Pistons' Cade Cunningham Compared to Young Dwyane Wade

Head coach JB Bickerstaff sees Cunningham entering his 'Flash' stage after All-Star breakout.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham has emerged as a rising star this season, earning comparisons from head coach JB Bickerstaff to a young Dwyane Wade and his breakout 'Flash' era. Cunningham's All-Star performance and impact have fueled MVP and All-NBA buzz, as the Pistons have surged up the standings with Cunningham leading the way through his scoring, playmaking, and steady play.

Why it matters

Cunningham's rapid rise to stardom is an exciting development for the Pistons, who are looking to return to contention after a rebuilding period. The Wade comparisons highlight Cunningham's potential to become a transcendent talent and franchise player, which could have major implications for the Pistons' future.

The details

Bickerstaff sees similarities between Cunningham's current trajectory and when Wade emerged as a superstar 'Flash' in Miami. The coach pointed to specific moments where Cunningham makes jaw-dropping plays, just as Wade did early in his career. Cunningham has driven the Pistons' surge this season with his scoring, playmaking, and steadiness through tough stretches.

  • Cunningham had a breakout performance at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

The players

Cade Cunningham

The 23-year-old guard for the Detroit Pistons who has emerged as a rising star this season.

JB Bickerstaff

The head coach of the Detroit Pistons who has drawn comparisons between Cunningham and a young Dwyane Wade.

Dwyane Wade

The former NBA superstar who was known as 'Flash' during his prime years with the Miami Heat.

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What they’re saying

“One night you'll see something and be like 'damn that boys cold.' Then you'll see something a week later like 'Gah damn!' I remember Dwyane Wade, when Dwyane Wade became Flash, I remember...”

— JB Bickerstaff, Head Coach, Detroit Pistons (Twitter)

What’s next

Cunningham will look to continue his breakout season and lead the Pistons to the playoffs, where he could further cement his status as a rising superstar in the league.

The takeaway

Cade Cunningham's rapid ascent to stardom, drawing comparisons to Dwyane Wade's 'Flash' era, is an exciting development for the Detroit Pistons as they aim to return to contention. Cunningham's combination of scoring, playmaking, and steadiness has fueled the Pistons' surge, and his potential to become a transcendent talent could have major implications for the franchise's future.