Pistons' Cade Cunningham Says He Feels He Can Be 'Best Basketball Player in the World'

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham is enjoying a breakout season that included his first career All-Star selection, but he has even loftier goals.

"I think I can be the best basketball player in the world. I think I'm on my way," Cunningham told ESPN's Eric Woodyard. "I want people to understand that and that's what I'm working to show people every time I play."

Cunningham is a leading candidate for this year's Most Improved Player award with career-high averages of 25.7 points and 9.2 assists across 66 games this season. He's spearheaded a significant turnaround for the Pistons, as the team ranks fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 42-33 record, just one year after finishing with the worst record in franchise history at 14-68.

Cunningham is currently nursing a calf injury that has him considered doubtful for Wednesday night's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 23-year-old is on the cusp of his first playoff appearance with the Pistons, so it would make sense to let him rest before the postseason.

After being drafted with the No. 1 pick in 2021, Cunningham had to endure early criticisms where many questioned his ability to lead the Pistons back to prominence. He acknowledged his early struggles but said he was always motivated to prove that Detroit was right to take a chance on him.

"There was a time where I didn't give them much else to think," Cunningham said when asked about the early bust talk. "But I felt support since day one being here, though, and more than anything I wanted to hold up my end of the bargain."