Pistons' Cade Cunningham 'Not Shy' to Say Winning 2025-26 NBA MVP is 'Very Possible'
After helping the Detroit Pistons snap a five-year playoff drought last season, star guard Cade Cunningham knows he will have to up his game even further if he wants to lead the team to greater heights this year.
Speaking to ESPN's Vincent Goodwill, Cunningham didn't back down from the idea that he will have to put forth an MVP-level season to help the Pistons become a true title contender in the wide-open Eastern Conference.
"If I can help get this team to where my goal is to get this team this season, all this stuff will be on the way," Cunningham said. "I'm not shy to say that. I think that's very possible."
After overcoming the injury woes that plagued him early in his career, Cunningham has blossomed into one of the most dynamic players in the league. The 2021 No. 1 pick is averaging 20.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 7.8 assists through the first four games of the year, though he was limited to 12 points in Monday's 116-95 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Cunningham earned his first career All-Star selection last season while averaging career highs of 26.1 points and 9.1 assists. He's expected to have a similar output as the focal point of a Pistons franchise that hasn't been considered a title contender since its last appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2008.
If Cunningham is able to take his game up a notch, Detroit will have a strong chance to make some noise in the postseason this year. It's clear that the 24-year-old is driven to lead the team back to prominence, so he won't fold under the pressure of carrying the franchise on his back.
Cunningham and the Pistons (2-2) will be back in action on Wednesday night when they host the Orlando Magic (1-3).
