Cade Cunningham Eyes 2028 USA Olympic Roster, Says He's 'Best American Player' Amid Pistons Success
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham expressed confidence in his abilities and his strong desire to play for Team USA at the Summer Olympics, per comments made to Matthew Roberson of GQ Magazine during a one-on-one interview.
"I take it seriously," Cunningham said regarding the debate on who the best American player is today. "I want to be on the Olympic team coming up. I think I'm the best American player."
The 24-year-old Cunningham should be a lock for Team USA in two years. The two-time All-Star is averaging 25.3 points, 9.6 assists and 5.6 rebounds per matchup for the 40-13 Pistons, who lead the Eastern Conference by five-and-a-half games.
The latest B/R NBA 99 player rankings, published on Feb. 19, have Cunningham ranked seventh overall in the league and second among Americans behind only Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (No. 6 overall).
"It's still fair to nitpick Cade Cunningham over his turnover volume," B/R's Andy Bailey wrote. "Only eight qualified players average more per 100 possessions. His scoring efficiency is still below average, too.
"But Cade could still be in the mix for a First Team All-NBA nod because of the sheer volume of his points and assists and the overwhelmingly positive impact on one of the league's best point differentials.
"The Detroit Pistons are cruising toward the first seed in the East and are plus-10.1 points per 100 possessions when Cunningham is on the floor. That number drops to plus-3.3 when he's off."
Cunningham was All-NBA Third Team last year, and an All-NBA First Team nod is a possibility this year. In addition, it wouldn't be a shock to see Detroit win the Eastern Conference and an NBA title too. The Pistons are phenomenal right now in large part due to Cunningham's leadership, and his stock is only rising as he progresses through his prime.
As for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, there will be a changing of the guard at the next Olympics for Team USA. LeBron James has shut the door on playing in 2028, and Stephen Curry doesn't think he will either.
"God willing, I still have the choice and physical option where I could impact the team," Curry said, per ESPN's Anthony Slater in Nov. 2025. "Never say never, but I highly doubt it. Highly doubt it."
Cunningham should easily slide into the backcourt in 2028 and could very well be the starting point guard. Until then, he's looking to lead the Pistons to their first NBA title since 2003-04.
