A Complete Transformation! Does Cade Cunningham Deserve an All-NBA Spot This Season?

The Night Cade Cunningham Proved He’s a Star

On a seemingly ordinary night in Miami, Cade Cunningham delivered the kind of performance that defines careers.

With just 0.6 seconds left on the clock, Cunningham rose up over Bam Adebayo, one of the league’s premier defenders, and drilled a game-winning three-pointer to lift the Detroit Pistons past the Miami Heat, 116-113.

That single shot was more than just a buzzer-beater—it was a full-circle moment. Almost exactly a year ago, Cunningham had the same opportunity against Miami but missed, only for Adebayo to turn the tables and beat Detroit at the horn.

This time, though? Cunningham didn’t just answer back—he delivered a masterpiece:

• 35 minutes played

• 25 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists (triple-double)

• 11-of-25 shooting, 3-of-4 from deep

• 0 free throw attempts

• 2 blocks, 1 steal

The most impressive part? Cunningham completely took over in crunch time:

• 55.9 seconds left: Cunningham buried a wide-open three-pointer to put Detroit up by two.

• 5 seconds left: Tyler Herro drew a foul on Jalen Duren, hit both free throws, and tied the game.

• 0.6 seconds left: Cunningham, unfazed, sank a cold-blooded game-winner over Adebayo.

This wasn’t just a revenge moment against Miami—it was a statement game.

Cade Cunningham has arrived.

From Potential to Reality: Cunningham’s Stunning Leap This Season

It’s not just this one game—Cunningham has been a completely different player all season.

Look at the numbers:

2023-24 Season Stats (65 games played)

• 25.6 PPG | 6.1 RPG | 9.3 APG

• 46.1 FG% | 35.4 3P% | 86.1 FT%

• True Shooting: 55.9%

• Usage Rate: 32.0% (career-high)

Now compare that to last season:

2022-23 Season Stats (62 games played)

• 22.7 PPG | 4.3 RPG | 7.5 APG

• 44.9 FG% | 35.5 3P% | 86.9 FT%

• True Shooting: 54.6%

• Usage Rate: 29.8%

The improvement is undeniable.

Cunningham is scoring more efficiently, grabbing more rebounds, and facilitating at an elite level. His assist rate has skyrocketed to 41.2%, and his PER (Player Efficiency Rating) has jumped from 17.1 to 20.1—firmly placing him among the NBA’s top-tier guards.

Even his advanced metrics show massive strides:

• BPM (Box Plus-Minus): +3.4 this season (was just +0.3 last year)

• Win Shares: More than doubled from last season

And perhaps most importantly? Detroit is winning.

The Pistons’ Stunning Turnaround

Let’s not forget where Detroit was just a year ago.

Last season, the Pistons set an NBA record with a 28-game losing streak, finishing with an abysmal 14-68 record.

But this year? They are sitting at 39-31, currently holding the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, with a comfortable 5.5-game lead over the seventh-seeded Atlanta Hawks.

Detroit is not just winning—they’re doing it against elite competition:

• Past 19 games: 14-5 record (5th-best in the NBA)

• Outperforming teams like the Knicks, Bucks, and Cavaliers

• Pistons’ net rating with Cunningham on the floor: +10.6

Of course, Cunningham isn’t doing it alone.

The front office made some key midseason moves, including:

• Acquiring Malik Beasley and Tobias Harris to add shooting and spacing

• Trading for Dennis Schröder, who has provided stability in the backcourt

These additions have certainly helped, but make no mistake—this is Cunningham’s team.

Is Cunningham’s Jump Good Enough for All-NBA?

With Detroit’s resurgence, Cunningham has positioned himself for a potential All-NBA selection.

The latest MVP ladder ranked him 9th in the league, meaning he’s already getting consideration as one of the game’s elite.

But does he have a real shot at making an All-NBA team?

The Competition for All-NBA Guard Spots

Here’s a look at some of the top guards this season:

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – MVP candidate

2. Luka Dončić – MVP candidate

3. Stephen Curry – Still elite, but Warriors struggling

4. Jalen Brunson – Leading the Knicks to a top-four seed

5. Donovan Mitchell – Carrying Cleveland despite injuries

6. Devin Booker – Putting up big numbers but Suns are underwhelming

7. Tyrese Haliburton – Incredible facilitator but inconsistent post-injury

8. Anthony Edwards – Superstar leap, leading Minnesota’s surge

9. Cade Cunningham – Breakout year, Detroit’s franchise leader

Given his numbers, Cunningham has a legitimate shot at making the All-NBA Second Team, or at worst, the Third Team.

And here’s why it matters:

More Than Just an Honor—It’s a $45 Million Payday

When Cunningham signed his five-year, $224 million rookie max extension last summer, it included a Designated Rookie Clause—a contract incentive that would kick in if he makes an All-NBA team.

If he does? That contract jumps to $269 million—a $45 million raise.

At the time, no one thought Cunningham had a realistic shot at triggering that clause.

But now?

He’s on the verge of making it happen.

The Final Verdict: Cunningham Is the Future

At just 23 years old, Cunningham has already faced immense scrutiny—from early injuries, to Detroit’s historic losing streak, to being labeled a disappointment compared to other top picks.

But this season? He’s silenced the critics.

With elite playmaking, improved efficiency, and a leadership presence beyond his years, Cunningham is no longer just a promising young talent.

He’s a franchise cornerstone.

And if his meteoric rise continues, we won’t just be debating whether he’s All-NBA—we’ll be debating if he belongs in the top five players in the league for years to come.