Cade Cunningham Leads Pistons to NBA's Best Record

Cunningham's MVP case strengthens as he propels Detroit's surprise turnaround

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Cade Cunningham's MVP campaign has gained significant momentum as he leads the Detroit Pistons to the NBA's best record at 40-13 heading into the All-Star break. The 6-foot-7 point guard is putting up impressive stats, including leading the league in total assists, while also anchoring the Pistons' stifling defense. Detroit's success against top teams has boosted Cunningham's MVP candidacy, which could shift further in his favor if the Pistons finish the season with the league's best record.

Why it matters

Cunningham's rise to stardom and ability to transform the Pistons from perennial underachievers to title contenders is redefining the MVP narrative. His two-way impact and leadership are challenging the traditional criteria for the award, which has often favored players on teams with established stars. If Cunningham can lead Detroit to the NBA's best record, it would be a significant accomplishment that could sway MVP voters.

The details

Cunningham is averaging 25.3 points and 9.6 assists per game, while also cutting his turnovers from 4.5 to 3.7 per game. He tops the league in total assists and ranks among the top 20 scorers. Cunningham's defensive prowess, including limiting opponents to a 43.2% shooting percentage when he is guarding them, sets him apart in an era increasingly focused on offense. The Pistons' 17-6 record against teams with winning records counters past arguments that Detroit's poor team performance should disqualify its players from major individual awards.

  • The Pistons claimed the best NBA record in part due to the Oklahoma City Thunder's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on February 15, 2026.

The players

Cade Cunningham

A 6-foot-7 point guard who was chosen first overall in the 2021 NBA Draft and is leading the Detroit Pistons' surprising turnaround as an MVP candidate.

J.B. Bickerstaff

The head coach of the Detroit Pistons, who has been credited with fostering a defensive mindset in the team.

Jalen Duren

The first All-Star teammate of Cade Cunningham on the Detroit Pistons, with the two players developing a dangerous pick-and-roll connection.

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What’s next

If the Pistons continue their dominant play and finish the season with the best record in the NBA, Cade Cunningham's MVP case will become increasingly difficult for voters to overlook.

The takeaway

Cade Cunningham's rise to stardom and ability to transform the Pistons from perennial underachievers to title contenders is redefining the MVP narrative, challenging the traditional criteria that has often favored players on teams with established stars. His two-way impact and leadership are key factors that could sway MVP voters if Detroit maintains the league's best record.