Pistons' Cade Cunningham Driven by Playoffs, Not Awards

After a first-round exit last year, the All-Star point guard is focused on leading Detroit to postseason success.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:10pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting Cade Cunningham's powerful drives to the basket and physical defensive play, with the overlapping planes and fragmented perspectives capturing the intensity and dynamism of his game.Cade Cunningham's relentless playoff drive fuels the Pistons' push for their first postseason series win in 15 years.Today in Detroit

Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham is motivated to lead his team to playoff success this season, rather than chasing individual awards. A year after a first-round exit in his postseason debut, the 24-year-old point guard has added muscle and is determined to help the Pistons advance in the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

Why it matters

Cunningham's drive to win in the playoffs rather than just collect accolades reflects a mature mindset as he enters the prime of his career. The Pistons haven't won a playoff series in 15 years, and Cunningham's leadership could help the franchise return to relevance in the Eastern Conference.

The details

After falling one game short of the league's 65-game minimum rule last season, Cunningham won an appeal to be part of the NBA awards voting this year. However, he says the playoffs, not individual honors, are his top priority. Cunningham added about 10 pounds of muscle in the offseason, which has improved his ability to drive to the basket and defend larger players. He recently returned from a collapsed lung injury that sidelined him for 11 games, and is still working to regain his full rhythm and speed.

  • Cunningham had a first-round exit in his postseason debut last year.
  • The Pistons haven't won a playoff series since 2008, when they reached the conference finals for a sixth straight season.

The players

Cade Cunningham

The 24-year-old point guard for the Detroit Pistons, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He is in the first year of a five-year, $269 million contract.

J.B. Bickerstaff

The head coach of the Detroit Pistons, who has seen Cunningham's added strength and conditioning prepare him for the rigors of the playoffs.

Jalen Duren

A first-time NBA All-Star this season, who has praised Cunningham's work ethic and dedication to improving his game.

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What they’re saying

“It means a lot to me”

— Cade Cunningham, Pistons Star

“His ability to drive the basketball and play through contact because he is so forceful, the added strength lets him do that. Defensively, he can guard bigger guys. We switch them on the 4s, sometimes 5s, and he can be physical with guys. He can rebound in traffic.”

— J.B. Bickerstaff, Pistons Head Coach

“He's a guy who's in the gym every day. It's a testament to the work he puts in. Even spending time with him in the summer, he works hard. He deserves everything that's coming to him and more.”

— Jalen Duren, Pistons All-Star

What’s next

The Pistons will host the winner of the Charlotte-Orlando game in Game 1 of the first round on Sunday night.

The takeaway

Cade Cunningham's laser focus on leading the Pistons to playoff success, rather than individual accolades, demonstrates his maturity and commitment to helping his team return to relevance in the NBA. His offseason work to add strength and overcome a recent injury shows his dedication to being at his best when it matters most.