Cade Cunningham secured his spot on the All-NBA First Team, a first for a Detroit Pistons player since Grant Hill in 1996-97.
What led to this achievement?
Cunningham's stellar start to the 2025-26 season made him a surefire bet for the All-NBA First Team, with the Pistons in first place in the Eastern Conference from November onward.
He averaged 24 points per game and 9.9 assists, hitting three-pointers at a 34% clip.
Overcoming adversity
A collapsed lung injury against the Washington Wizards in the final month of the regular season threatened to derail Cunningham's chances, but he made a successful return with three games left.
The league granted an appeal on Cunningham's behalf, making him eligible for the award despite falling short of the 65-game requirement.
Impact on the team
Cunningham's playmaking talent opened up space for Jalen Duren to operate in the paint, helping him carve out his All-Star debut.
The Pistons' success was driven by Cunningham, who left his imprint on all phases of the game.
Playoff performance
In the playoffs, Cunningham struggled with turnovers against the Orlando Magic, but he seized the moment in game seven with a huge 30-point effort to help Detroit advance.
The Pistons eventually ran out of gas against the Cleveland Cavs, losing 31 points in game seven.
Cade Cunningham will look to return next year and build on his success.
The Detroit Pistons will rely on Cunningham to lead them to further success in the future.
Cunningham's All-NBA First Team selection is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.