Pistons HC Compares Cade Cunningham to 'The Matrix' Hero Neo

Detroit coach JB Bickerstaff sees similarities between his star player and the iconic movie character.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Detroit Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff has drawn an intriguing comparison for star player Cade Cunningham, likening the 25-year-old point guard to Neo, the protagonist of the popular 'The Matrix' movie franchise. Bickerstaff sees Cunningham as similar to Neo in the later films, when the character fully embraces his powers and becomes 'The One.' Cunningham, an All-Star the past two seasons, has said the game is slowing down for him as he continues to develop his elite playmaking and decision-making abilities.

Why it matters

The comparison to Neo from 'The Matrix' highlights how Cade Cunningham has emerged as a true superstar in the NBA, with his game evolving to the point where he can seemingly bend the action to his will, much like the iconic movie character. As the Pistons continue to build around Cunningham, this type of high-level play and leadership will be crucial to the team's success.

The details

Bickerstaff made the 'Neo' comparison when asked about Cunningham, saying the Pistons star is more akin to the character in the later 'Matrix' films, when he fully embraces his powers. Cunningham, the No. 1 overall pick in 2021, has steadily improved each season and is now averaging career-highs of 25.3 points, 9.6 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game. The 25-year-old credits the game slowing down for him, allowing him to make smarter decisions with the ball.

  • Cade Cunningham was named an NBA All-Star for the second time in his career this season.
  • Cunningham was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.

The players

Cade Cunningham

A 25-year-old point guard for the Detroit Pistons who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Cunningham has emerged as a superstar, making the All-Star team the past two seasons while averaging career-highs in points, assists and rebounds this year.

JB Bickerstaff

The head coach of the Detroit Pistons, who drew an intriguing comparison between Cunningham and the iconic 'Matrix' character Neo.

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What they’re saying

“'Neo,' he says. 'From The Matrix.' Not early Neo, the overwhelmed character played by Keanu Reeves, who was red-pilled into reality. The one in the later films, says Bickerstaff, 'who realized he was The One.'”

— JB Bickerstaff, Head Coach, Detroit Pistons (Sports Illustrated)

“'I don't know. I feel like everything has just slowed down. Every year I feel more and more sharp. I feel like I'm one of the best processors to have the ball.'”

— Cade Cunningham (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

Cunningham will look to continue his strong play as the Pistons push for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

Cade Cunningham's evolution into a true NBA superstar, with his game slowing down and his decision-making improving, has drawn an apt comparison to Neo from 'The Matrix' from his head coach JB Bickerstaff. This highlights how Cunningham has become one of the league's most dominant and cerebral players, a key building block for the Pistons' future.