Rising Star! 6 Triple-Doubles in a Single Season, Can Cade Cunningham Make the All-Star Game?

The NBA season is rolling along, and one player who is making waves and proving his worth as a future superstar is Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons. While the Pistons have struggled in recent years, Cunningham's performances are shining bright, and with his impressive stat lines, he is increasingly becoming a serious contender for a spot in this year’s NBA All-Star Game. Cunningham is posting incredible numbers and even breaking personal records, especially with his ability to rack up triple-doubles. But with a competitive Eastern Conference and a team that still has a long way to go in terms of improving its overall record, the question remains: will Cunningham’s outstanding individual performances be enough to secure his first All-Star appearance?

A thrilling 125-124 win over the Miami Heat at home provided the perfect stage for Cunningham to show why he belongs among the NBA’s elite. The game was nothing short of dramatic, with the Pistons holding a commanding 16-point lead midway through the fourth quarter, looking like they had the game in the bag. However, the Heat, led by the unstoppable Jimmy Butler, clawed their way back into the game with an 18-2 run, sending it into overtime. In the extra period, it was a back-and-forth battle, with the Heat once again taking an 8-0 run to go up 122-114, only for the Pistons to storm back with an 11-2 run of their own, clinching the victory.

Cunningham played a key role in this comeback, not just in scoring but in facilitating his teammates and playing a crucial role in the team’s late-game success. His box score from the game was staggering: 20 points, 11 rebounds, and a career-high 18 assists. This triple-double, his eighth career triple-double and sixth of the season, is a testament to how far Cunningham has come in his young career. It’s clear that his vision and ability to facilitate for his teammates have developed to a level that rivals some of the NBA's best playmakers.

What makes Cunningham’s performance even more remarkable is the fact that he single-handedly orchestrated much of the Pistons' offense in overtime. His assists helped spark crucial shots from his teammates, including three consecutive three-pointers by Tim Hardaway Jr., who emerged as an unlikely hero in this game. Cunningham didn’t just contribute in scoring and assists; he also had an important block in the final moments, denying Butler a potential game-winner. When you look at the full scope of his contributions, it’s evident that Cunningham is becoming the heart and soul of the Pistons.

Cunningham's statistics for the season paint a picture of a player who is not just putting up good numbers but is doing so at an elite level. Through 22 games this season, he is averaging 23.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game. These numbers place him among the top players in the league in terms of assists and make him one of the most versatile young guards in the NBA. His scoring is ranked 20th in the league, while his assists rank 3rd, showing that he is not just a scorer but a true playmaker, setting up teammates and creating opportunities for others. He’s shooting 45.3% from the field and 38.1% from three, while his free throw percentage sits at 78.5%, making him a reliable all-around offensive weapon.

Despite his impressive numbers, Cunningham’s path to the All-Star Game is far from guaranteed. The Eastern Conference backcourt is packed with talent, and several players are competing for the coveted All-Star spots. Players like Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jalen Brown, Jalen Brunson, Damian Lillard, Trae Young, and Tyrese Haliburton have all been playing at a high level, making it a crowded field for a spot on the All-Star roster. Cunningham’s performance will have to stand out, not just in terms of statistics but also in helping the Pistons win more games. While Detroit is still rebuilding, the team has shown flashes of improvement, with an 11-16 record through the first 27 games of the season, currently sitting in 10th place in the Eastern Conference. This puts them just one game behind the 8th-seeded Indiana Pacers, showing that the Pistons have the potential to make a run at the play-in tournament and possibly the playoffs.

If Cunningham can lead the Pistons to a higher seed in the conference and continue to put up eye-popping performances, he could make a compelling case for an All-Star selection. He has the numbers, the talent, and the ability to elevate his team, and if Detroit’s record improves, it will only add to his chances. However, it’s not just about scoring or accumulating assists; it's about how Cunningham influences winning. The Pistons’ net rating per 100 possessions, for example, is significantly better when Cunningham is on the floor. Detroit’s net rating is -3.3 points per 100 possessions for the season, but with Cunningham on the court, that number improves to -2.0 points per 100 possessions. When he’s off the court, the team’s net rating drops to -6.4 points per 100 possessions, highlighting just how much of an impact he has on the game.

Despite his progress, Cunningham still has areas to improve if he wants to solidify his case for an All-Star spot. One glaring issue is his efficiency around the rim. He’s shooting only 52.1% on shots within 5 feet, which is below average for a player of his skill level. Additionally, his ability to draw fouls has been inconsistent. Despite driving to the basket 16.9 times per game, Cunningham only draws 2.3 free throws per game, which ranks low among his peers. This is an area he will need to improve if he wants to take his game to the next level and become a more effective scorer.

Cunningham’s efficiency and ability to get to the free-throw line will be important factors as he continues to develop. However, it’s important to remember that the Pistons are still in a rebuilding phase. The roster around Cunningham, while promising, is still a work in progress. He’s playing with young players like Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, and Jalen Duren, who are still finding their footing in the league. His veteran teammates, such as Bojan Bogdanovic, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Malik Beasley, have all had solid moments but aren’t necessarily the franchise players that Cunningham will one day play alongside when the Pistons are contenders. Despite these challenges, Cunningham has managed to elevate his game and become the focal point of the team’s offense.

Looking ahead, Cunningham has a real shot at making the All-Star Game if he continues his current trajectory. If he can help lead the Pistons to a playoff berth, or at least a strong showing in the play-in tournament, and maintain his impressive individual performances, it’s hard to imagine the league overlooking him. It’s also worth noting that the NBA tends to reward young, rising stars, especially when they play in the spotlight and take on more responsibility for their teams.

For now, Cunningham is proving that he’s not just a future star but a player who is ready to make a big impact on the NBA right now. With six triple-doubles already this season and a chance to improve on those numbers, he is showing that his potential is limitless. While the All-Star selection may still be a challenge, one thing is for certain—Cade Cunningham is on the path to becoming one of the league’s premier players, and his future is incredibly bright.