Cade Cunningham Named NBA All-Star, Leads Pistons’ Resurgence

DETROIT, Mich. — Cade Cunningham, the Detroit Pistons‘ rising star, was officially named an NBA All-Star reserve on Thursday, marking the first time a Pistons player has earned the honor since Blake Griffin in 2019. The 6-foot-6 guard is averaging career-high numbers of 25 points, 9.3 assists, and 6.4 rebounds per game, propelling the Pistons to a 23-24 record and a potential playoff push.

Cunningham’s selection comes after a breakout season that has seen him emerge as one of the league’s most dynamic players. His leadership and on-court improvements have been instrumental in Detroit’s turnaround, with the team already surpassing last season’s win total. “I feel like I’m the best player on the court every night,” Cunningham said. “I try to do whatever it takes to help my team win.”

The 22-year-old guard credits much of his growth to his close relationship with Pistons assistant coach Jarrett Jack, a former 13-year NBA veteran. The two have developed a unique pregame routine involving football-like tosses of the basketball, which Cunningham describes as a “little test” to get into rhythm. “It’s fun,” Cunningham told The Athletic. “It’s like our little pregame thing.”

Jack, who joined the Pistons in 2023, has been a key mentor for Cunningham, helping him refine his post game and decision-making. “I thought he would venture down there occasionally, rather than being deliberate,” Jack said. “But now, he’s lethal in the post. If they double him, he’s a willing passer, and that creates opportunities for his teammates.”

Cunningham’s impact extends beyond his individual stats. His ability to draw double-teams and create open shots for teammates has elevated the play of those around him. Forward Isaiah Stewart and guard Jaden Ivey are both having career-best seasons, with Ivey on pace to shatter his previous high for made 3-pointers.

The NBA All-Star reserves were selected by a vote of the league’s 30 head coaches. Cunningham finished fifth in the player vote, sixth in the fan vote, and fourth in the media vote. He joins a strong Eastern Conference roster that includes Boston’s Jaylen Brown, Indiana’s Pascal Siakam, and Cleveland’s Darius Garland.

The 2025 NBA All-Star Game, scheduled for Feb. 16 in San Francisco, will feature a new format with three eight-player teams competing in a mini-tournament. The winning team will split a $1.8 million prize pool, with each player earning $125,000.

As the Pistons continue their push for the playoffs, Cunningham’s All-Star nod serves as a testament to his hard work and the team’s resurgence. “He’s a joy to be around,” Jack said. “He’s very much a part of the guys, and it shows in how we’re playing.”