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Cade Cunningham
Cade Cunningham
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Cade Parker Cunningham (born September 25, 2001) is an American professional basketball player for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He attended Bowie High School in his hometown of Arlington, Texas, before transferring to Montverde Academy in Florida, where he was rated a consensus five-star recruit and among the top players in the 2020 class by major recruiting services. As a senior, he led one of the best high school teams in history and received national player of the year recognition.

Key Information

Cunningham committed to playing college basketball for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, and was named a consensus first-team All-American and Big 12 Player of the Year after his freshman season with the team. He won a gold medal with the United States at the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup. He was the NBA first overall pick by the Detroit Pistons in the 2021 NBA draft. He was named as an NBA All-Star and to an All-NBA Team for the first time in 2025.

Early life and career

[edit]

Cunningham was born in Arlington, Texas, to Carrie and Keith Cunningham.[1] He grew up playing football as a quarterback, which he believes helped him become a better passer and leader on the basketball court. He focused on basketball after watching his brother play the sport in college.[2] He frequently played basketball with his father and brother at a recreation center.[3] He played the point guard position for Barnett Junior High School in Arlington.[4] Since his childhood, he competed for the Texas Titans on the Amateur Athletic Union circuit alongside future TCU player Mike Miles Jr.[5]

High school career

[edit]

Cade Cunningham attended Bowie High School in Arlington. He became a starter on the varsity team early in his freshman season. The team also featured Kyler Edwards.[4][6] Cunningham averaged 15.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, helping Bowie reach the District 6A Region I final. He was subsequently named District 4-6A Newcomer of the Year.[7] In December 2017, early in his sophomore season, he suffered an injury while attempting to dunk at a tournament in Houston.[8] Cunningham finished the season averaging 18.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. He was named District 4-6A co-most valuable player (MVP) and earned Texas Association of Basketball Coaches All-Region honors.[1][7][9]

Cunningham with the Texas Titans at the EYBL in 2019

Entering his junior year, Cunningham transferred to Montverde Academy, a school in Montverde, Florida with a successful basketball program. He chose Montverde, whose team was ranked number one in the country by USA Today, for its academics and coaching.[10] On February 2, 2019, at the National Hoopfest tournament, Cunningham recorded 26 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds in a 76–51 win against Oak Hill Academy, one of the top high school teams nationally.[11] By the end of his junior season, he was averaging 11.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.[12] Following the high school season, Cunningham was named Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) MVP after averaging 25.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game for the Texas Titans in the EYBL regular season.[13] He was teammates with Greg Brown and Mike Miles Jr. with the Titans.[14]

For his senior season at Montverde, he was joined by many more top recruits, including five-star forwards Scottie Barnes and Day'Ron Sharpe. Many analysts regarded his team as one of the best in high school basketball history.[15] Cunningham averaged 13.9 points, 6.4 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game, leading Montverde to a 25–0 record with an average margin of victory of 39 points. He played only 22 minutes per game due to the depth of his team.[16] At the end of the season, Cunningham was honored as Mr. Basketball USA, Naismith Prep Player of the Year, and MaxPreps National Player of the Year.[16][17] He was selected to play in the McDonald's All-American Game, Jordan Brand Classic, and Nike Hoop Summit, but all three games were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[18]

Recruiting

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Cunningham emerged as a top-25 recruit in the 2020 class at the end of his sophomore season at Bowie. He was a consensus five-star recruit and one of the best players in his class.[19] Cunningham received offers from top NCAA Division I programs including Duke, Kentucky, and North Carolina, but many analysts viewed Oklahoma State as his likely destination after the program hired his brother Cannen [pl] as an assistant coach.[20] On November 5, 2019, Cade Cunningham announced his commitment to Oklahoma State. He became the highest-ranked committed recruit in program history and the first five-star recruit to join Oklahoma State since Marcus Smart in 2012.[21] In June 2020, the NCAA imposed a postseason ban on Oklahoma State. Cunningham announced on June 22 that he would still play for the team.[22]

College recruiting information
Name Hometown School Height Weight Commit date
Cade Cunningham
PG
Arlington, TX Montverde Academy (FL) 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 215 lb (98 kg) Nov 5, 2019 
Recruit ratings: Rivals: 5/5 stars   247Sports: 5/5 stars   ESPN: 5/5 stars   (97)
Overall recruit ranking:    Rivals: 1    247Sports: 1    ESPN: 2
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, On3, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "Oklahoma State 2020 Basketball Commitments". Rivals. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  • "2020 Oklahoma State Cowboys Recruiting Class". ESPN. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  • "2020 Team Ranking". Rivals. Retrieved May 16, 2020.

College career

[edit]
Cunningham with Oklahoma State Cowboys in 2020

In his college debut for Oklahoma State on November 25, 2020, Cunningham recorded 21 points and 10 rebounds in a 75–68 win over UT Arlington.[23] On December 8, he scored 29 points, including 13 in the final 91 seconds, in an 83–78 victory over Oral Roberts.[24] On December 12, Cunningham made a game-winning three-pointer with 11 seconds remaining to help defeat Wichita State 67–64.[25] On February 27, 2021, he posted a career-high 40 points and 11 rebounds in a 94–90 overtime win against Oklahoma.[26] The performance helped him earn Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week honors.[27] Cunningham posted 25 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in an 83–74 upset win against top-seeded Baylor in the Big 12 tournament semifinals on March 12, 2021.[28] As a freshman, he averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.[29]

After his freshman season, Cunningham was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American. He was the first Oklahoma State player to earn the distinction since Bob Kurland (1944–46).[30] He became the fourth player to win Big 12 Player of the Year and Big 12 Freshman of the Year in the same season, joining Marcus Smart, Kevin Durant, and Michael Beasley.[31] He was unanimously selected to the first-team All-Big 12, the All-Freshman Team, and the All-Newcomer Team.[32] Cunningham received major NCAA Division I freshman of the year honors, among them the Wayman Tisdale Award, Sporting News Freshman of the Year, and National Association of Basketball Coaches Freshman of the Year.[33][34][35]

On April 1, 2021, Cunningham announced that he would enter the 2021 NBA draft and forgo his remaining college eligibility. Analysts regarded him as the consensus number one pick in the draft.[36]

Professional career

[edit]

Detroit Pistons (2021–present)

[edit]

All-Rookie honors (2021–2022)

[edit]

Cunningham was drafted with the first overall pick of the 2021 NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons.[37] He missed part of training camp, all of preseason, and five of Detroit's first six regular-season games due to an ankle injury.[38] In his NBA debut on October 30, Cunningham had two points, two assists, and seven rebounds in 18 minutes in a 110–103 win over the Orlando Magic. His two points were the fewest scored in a No. 1 pick's NBA debut since Anthony Bennett in 2013, who also had two points.[39] After five games, Cunningham posted his first 40-plus field-goal percentage, and he had an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double in his third NBA game.[38] On November 15, Cunningham became the youngest player in NBA history to tally at least 25 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists with five three-pointers in a game at 20 years, 51 days. He topped LeBron James (20 years, 100 days) and Trae Young (20 years, 163 days).[40] On November 21, he notched a triple-double with 13 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 121–116 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers to become the eighth-youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double and the youngest in Pistons history.[41]

Cunningham at the 2022 NBA Skills Challenge

On January 25, 2022, Cunningham recorded 34 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, four blocks, and two steals in a 110–105 loss to the Denver Nuggets, joining Michael Jordan as the only rookies in NBA history to post such a stat line.[42][43] He was named the NBA Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for games played in January.[44] Cunningham was named MVP of the Rising Stars Challenge on February 18, 2022.[45] For the month of March, Cunningham averaged 22.9 points, 7.0 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game, becoming the first rookie since Michael Jordan to average those numbers over the course of a month.[46] After March 1, Cunningham averaged 21.2 points on 46.2 percent shooting and 6.7 assists per game for the rest of the season.[38]

He averaged a rookie-best 17.4 points, plus 5.6 assists and 5.5 rebounds, to finish the season. He became one of only 10 NBA players to average 17 points, five assists, and five rebounds in their rookie season, joining Luka Dončić, Tyreke Evans, LeBron James, Steve Francis, Grant Hill, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Alvan Adams, and Oscar Robertson, becoming the only player other than Magic Johnson on that list to not win Rookie of the Year.[47] He ultimately finished third in Rookie of the Year voting, behind winner Scottie Barnes and Evan Mobley, receiving a total of nine first-place votes.[48]

Season-ending surgery (2022–2023)

[edit]
Cunningham with the Detroit Pistons in 2024

On October 28, 2022, Cunningham scored a career-high 35 points alongside nine rebounds and eight assists in a 132–116 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.[49] On November 9, he was 1 of 11 from the field and finished with a season-low four points in a 128–112 loss to the Boston Celtics. It was the first time he had failed to reach double figures in 2022–23.[50] He did not play again following this game due to a stress fracture in his left shin.[51] On December 12, he was ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery. He finished with averages of 19.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and six assists, shooting 41.5% overall and 27.9% on three-point attempts in 12 games.[51]

Return from injury (2023–2024)

[edit]

In the 2023–24 season opener on October 25, 2023, Cunningham had a game-high 30 points and nine assists in 103–102 loss to the Miami Heat. He had a last-second shot to win the game but it missed as time expired.[52] Three days later, he had 25 points and 10 assists in a 118–102 win over the Chicago Bulls. The win saw the Pistons start the season with a 2–1 record.[53][54] On December 18, he scored a career-high 43 points in a 130–124 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.[55] On December 26, he scored 41 points in a 118–112 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. The loss saw the Pistons set an NBA single-season record with their 27th straight loss.[56] On December 28, he had 31 points and nine assists in a 128–122 overtime loss to the Boston Celtics. With a 28th straight loss, it tied for the longest losing streak in NBA history.[57] In the following game two days later, the Pistons ended their losing streak with a 129–127 win over the Toronto Raptors, with Cunningham recording 30 points and 12 assists.[58] On January 7 against the Denver Nuggets, Cunningham had three points before leaving midway through the second quarter with a strained left knee.[59]

First All-Star, All-NBA and playoff appearance (2024–25)

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On July 10, 2024, the Pistons signed Cunningham to a five-year, $224 million contract extension.[60][61] On November 8, 2024, he put up a triple-double with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists alongside a game-winning floater in a 122–121 win over the Atlanta Hawks.[62] He recorded a triple-double in his third consecutive game, tying him with Grant Hill (April 11–14, 1997) as the longest such streak in Pistons franchise history. It was his fifth career triple-double, tying him with Isiah Thomas for the second-most triple-doubles in Pistons franchise history.[63] On November 17, Cunningham put up a triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 124–104 win over the Washington Wizards. It was his sixth career-triple double, surpassing Isiah Thomas for the most triple-doubles in Pistons franchise history.[64] On December 7, he had a triple-double with 29 points, a career-high 15 assists, and 10 rebounds in a 120–111 win over the New York Knicks.[65][66] On December 16, he had his sixth triple-double of the season with 20 points, a career-high 18 assists and 11 rebounds in a 125–124 overtime win over the Miami Heat.[67]

On January 10, 2025, Cunningham had his 7th triple-double of the season in a 123–114 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He had 22 points, 17 assists and 10 rebounds, and the win put the Pistons' season record back above .500.[68] He also surpassed Isiah Thomas for the most 15-assist triple-doubles in Pistons franchise history with three.[69] On January 30, Cunningham was named as reserve for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, his first selection.[70] Cunningham finished the regular season averaging 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 9.1 assists per game in 70 contests. He joined Oscar Robertson as the only players in NBA history to average 25+ points, 5+ rebounds and 9+ assists per game at age 23 or younger. Cunningham helped the Pistons make a 30-win improvement this season, earning a 44–38 record and the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference.[71]

On April 19, 2025, Cunningham played his first postseason game against the New York Knicks, recording 21 points, 12 assists, and six rebounds in a 112–123 loss.[72] The next day, in light of finishing the season with career high averages in points, assists, and efficiency, he was announced to be among the three finalists for the NBA Most Improved Player Award alongside Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks and Ivica Zubac of the Los Angeles Clippers.[73] On April 19, in Game 4, Cunningham had 25 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his first playoff triple-double and the third in franchise history in a 94–93 loss against the New York Knicks.[74] On 30 April, Cunningham finished third for the NBA Most Improved Player Award.[75] Detroit would go on to lose to New York in six games despite Cunningham's 23-point, 7-rebound, 8-assist and 3-steal outing in the 116–113 close-out loss in Game 6.[76]

2025–26

[edit]

On November 1, 2025, Cunningham tied a career-high with 18 assists, along with 21 points, six rebounds, and three steals, in a 122–110 win over the Dallas Mavericks.[77] On November 10, Cunningham recorded his 12th career triple-double with a career-high 46 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, along with five steals and two blocks, in a 137–135 overtime victory over the Washington Wizards, becoming the first player in NBA history to total 45+ points, 10+ rebounds, 10+ assists, and 5+ steals in a single game.[78][79] In this game, he would surpass Kobe Bryant for most field goals missed in a single game, with 31 misses.[80] For his play in October and November, Cunningham was named Eastern Conference Player of the Month for the first time in his career after leading the Pistons to a 16–4 record, the best in the Eastern Conference.[81]

On January 19, 2026, Cunningham earned his second consecutive NBA All-Star selection and was named a starter for the first time.[82]

National team career

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Cunningham played for the United States at the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup in Heraklion, Greece.[83] In seven games, he averaged 11.7 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game, helping his team win the gold medal.[84] In the finals, Cunningham led all scorers with 21 points, along with seven rebounds and seven assists, in a 93–79 win over Mali.[85]

Career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

NBA

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2021–22 Detroit 64 64 32.6 .416 .314 .845 5.5 5.6 1.2 .7 17.4
2022–23 Detroit 12 12 33.3 .415 .279 .837 6.2 6.0 .8 .6 19.9
2023–24 Detroit 62 62 33.5 .449 .355 .869 4.3 7.5 .9 .4 22.7
2024–25 Detroit 70 70 35.0 .469 .356 .846 6.1 9.1 1.0 .8 26.1
Career 208 208 33.7 .446 .339 .853 5.4 7.4 1.0 .6 22.1
All-Star 1 0 5.4 .667 1.000 1.0 1.0 .0 .0 5.0

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2025 Detroit 6 6 41.3 .426 .179 .833 8.3 8.7 1.8 1.3 25.0
Career 6 6 41.3 .426 .179 .833 8.3 8.7 1.8 1.3 25.0

College

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2020–21 Oklahoma State 27 26 35.4 .438 .400 .846 6.2 3.5 1.6 .8 20.1

Personal life

[edit]

Cunningham's father Keith played college football for Texas Tech University in Lubbock.[86] His older brother Cannen Cunningham played college basketball for SMU (Southern Methodist University) in University Park, Texas, surpassing the school record for games played, before playing a season in Poland professionally.[87] Cannen later pursued a coaching career, becoming an assistant coach for Oklahoma State University entering the 2019–20 season.[88] Cade Cunningham has a daughter named Riley, born in 2018.[89] He has been a vegan since 2019.[90]

Cunningham is a Christian.[91] He has said, “… I know I’m blessed, and I just try to, you know, represent God’s light as much as I can and glorify Him with everything.”[92]

In November 2025, Cunningham re-signed with Nike and reached a six year endorsement agreement where he would receive his own signature shoe with the brand. He would become the sixth active NBA player to have a signature shoe deal with Nike joining LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Ja Morant, Devin Booker, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.[93]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Cade Parker Cunningham (born September 25, 2001) is an American professional player who serves as the starting for the of the (NBA). Standing at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) and weighing 220 pounds (100 kg), he is known for his scoring ability, playmaking, and versatility as a guard who shoots right-handed. Born in , to parents Keith and Carrie Cunningham, he grew up with a brother, Cannen (a former player and assistant coach at ), a sister, Kaylyn, and a daughter named Riley. Cunningham attended Bowie High School in Arlington, where as a senior he was honored as , Naismith Prep Player of the Year, and MaxPreps National Player of the Year, while also participating in the . He committed to , forgoing other elite programs, and in his lone freshman season (2020–21), he averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, earning Big 12 Player of the Year, Big 12 Freshman of the Year, AP All-America First Team honors, and a finalist nod for the Naismith College Player of the Year and . His performance led the Cowboys to an NCAA Tournament appearance, their first since 2014. The Detroit Pistons selected Cunningham as the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, making him the highest-drafted player in Oklahoma State history. In July 2024, he signed a five-year, $224 million contract extension with the Pistons. In his rookie season (2021–22), he appeared in 64 games, averaging 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, which earned him NBA All-Rookie First Team honors despite a stress reaction in his left shin that sidelined him late in the year. Cunningham's sophomore season (2022–23) was limited to 12 games due to injuries, but he rebounded strongly in 2023–24 with averages of 22.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists over 62 games. The 2024–25 campaign marked a breakout year, as he averaged 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game, leading the Pistons to a playoff appearance and securing All-NBA Third Team honors and finishing third in voting for Most Improved Player. On January 30, 2025, he was named an Eastern Conference reserve for his first NBA All-Star Game, becoming the first Pistons guard selected since 2007. In the 2025–26 season, Cunningham has continued his strong play, including a performance of 29 points and 13 assists on 11-of-17 shooting in a 121-90 victory over the New York Knicks on January 5, 2026, helping the Pistons improve to a 27–9 record while maintaining their lead in the Eastern Conference.

Early life

Family background

Cade Cunningham was born on September 25, 2001, in . His father, , was a highly regarded prospect who played at in the 1980s, though a severe —a falling during his freshman year—derailed his career and prevented him from fulfilling his potential as a professional athlete. Cunningham's mother, , originally from , supported the family while raising their three children in a household steeped in athletic traditions. He has an older brother, Cannen Cunningham, who enjoyed a notable career as a forward at (SMU) from 2011 to 2015, where he set a program record for games played with 134 appearances; after his playing career at SMU, Cannen served as associate director of video operations at from 2018 to 2019, then as an assistant coach at from 2019 to 2021, before transitioning to manage his brother Cade's professional basketball career. Cunningham also has a , Kaylyn Cunningham. The family's athletic heritage profoundly shaped Cunningham's early environment, with his father's football background and brother's achievements fostering a competitive spirit and exposing him to sports from a young age; notably, Cannen began coaching his younger brother in fundamentals when Cade was just five years old.

Introduction to basketball

Cade Cunningham, born into a family with a strong athletic background—his father, Keith, having played at Tech—initially gravitated toward football as a young child in , where he honed skills as a . However, his focus shifted decisively to around age 11, inspired by watching his older brother Cannen compete at (SMU) from 2012 to 2015. This transition was influenced by Cannen's own path from football to , which ignited Cade's passion for the sport and led him to prioritize hoops over gridiron pursuits. Cunningham's early exposure came through local Arlington youth programs, including YMCA leagues, where he began participating in organized games as early as age 5. These community-based initiatives provided his first structured environment to develop fundamental skills, starting as a post player before evolving into a wing position under guidance from family and local trainers. By ages 10 to 12, during his elementary and years, he intensified his training, working on ballhandling and court vision with his cousin and trainer Ashton Bennings, which laid the groundwork for his development. As he progressed into youth leagues, Cunningham joined the Texas Titans AAU team, competing in 15U and 16U circuits to stay with his age group and build team chemistry rather than advancing prematurely. This AAU experience marked his entry into more competitive amateur play, where he refined passing and leadership abilities initially sharpened on the football field, emphasizing conceptual growth over early specialization.

High school career

Bowie High School

Cade Cunningham began his high school career at James W. Bowie High School in , joining the varsity team as a in the 2016–17 season. In his debut year, Cunningham quickly emerged as a key contributor, averaging 15.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game while helping the Volunteers advance to the District 6A Region I final; his performance earned him the District 4-6A Newcomer of the Year award. As a in 2017–18, he further solidified his status as a standout, boosting his averages to 18.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, which led to District 4-6A co-MVP honors and first-team all-district recognition. Under Cunningham's leadership, Bowie achieved a 32–8 record and advanced to the regional semifinals of the UIL 6A State Basketball Tournament, but the public school environment offered limited exposure to elite national competition compared to top prep programs. Seeking greater challenges to accelerate his development—building on his early experiences with AAU teams like the PSA Cardinals—he transferred to in prior to his junior year.

Montverde Academy

Cade Cunningham transferred to in , prior to his junior year, playing there for the 2018–19 and 2019–20 seasons and seeking a higher level of competition. This move positioned him on one of the nation's premier prep basketball programs, known for its roster of top recruits. In his junior season (2018–19), Cunningham averaged 11.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, earning MaxPreps Junior All-American second team honors. As a senior in 2019–20, he averaged 13.9 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game, showcasing his versatility as a 6-foot-6 while adapting to a team-oriented system. His efficient play helped anchor the Eagles' fast-paced offense, contributing to their undefeated 25–0 record and recognition as the No. 1 national team in rankings like the FAB 50, despite the cancellation of the Nationals due to the . Cunningham's leadership was instrumental in the program's success that season. For his standout performance, he was honored as the 2020 by Ballislife and the Naismith Prep Player of the Year by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing his impact on the court and his potential as a future star.

Recruiting

Cade Cunningham was recognized as a consensus five-star recruit and the No. 1 overall prospect in the class of 2020 by major scouting services, including , , and . His standout performances at elevated his national profile, drawing scholarship offers from elite programs such as , , , and . On November 5, 2019, Cunningham committed to , becoming the program's first five-star recruit since Marcus Smart in 2012. The decision was influenced by strong family connections, including his brother Cannen serving as an assistant coach on the State staff, as well as the proximity to his roots and a longstanding relationship with Mike Boynton, who had recruited him early in high school.

College career

Oklahoma State season

Cade Cunningham played his only college season as a freshman for the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the 2020–21 campaign. As the nation's top high school recruit, he quickly became the focal point of the team's offense, showcasing his versatility as a 6-foot-6 guard capable of scoring, rebounding, and facilitating plays. Over 27 games, Cunningham averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, helping the Cowboys achieve a 21–9 overall record. His scoring efficiency and playmaking were evident in high-stakes matchups, including a career-high 40-point performance on 12-of-21 shooting in an overtime victory against rival Oklahoma on February 27, 2021, where he also grabbed 11 rebounds. This outburst marked the highest scoring output by an Oklahoma State player since 2016 and propelled the team during a crucial Big 12 stretch. Cunningham's leadership contributed to Oklahoma State's first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2014, earning the team a No. 4 seed in the Midwest Region. In the tournament's first round, he scored 15 points and hit key late threes to secure a 69-60 win over No. 13 seed on March 19, 2021. Although the fell in the second round to No. 12 seed Oregon State, Cunningham's freshman year established him as one of college basketball's premier talents.

Awards and recognition

Cunningham's exceptional freshman season at culminated in numerous accolades, highlighting his emergence as one of the top players in . He was named the Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year for the 2020–21 season, becoming the first Cowboy to win both awards in the same year. His dominance on the court also earned him consensus first-team All-American honors, as recognized by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), and other major selectors. Additionally, he was selected to the All-American first team, further solidifying his status as a national standout. He was also a finalist for the Naismith College Player of the Year, the , and the , and won the Wayman Tisdale Trophy as the USBWA National Freshman of the Year. On April 1, 2021, Cunningham announced his decision to forgo additional college eligibility and declare for the .

Professional career

2021–2022: Rookie season

Cade Cunningham was selected as the first overall pick by the in the , held on July 29, 2021, in , New York. As the consensus top prospect coming out of , where he had earned National Player of the Year honors, Cunningham was viewed by the Pistons as a foundational piece for their rebuilding roster. Following the draft, Cunningham signed his rookie-scale contract with the Pistons on August 8, 2021, a four-year deal worth approximately $45.6 million, with team options for the third and fourth seasons. He made his NBA debut on October 30, 2021, against the , recording 20 points, eight assists, and six rebounds in a 123-110 . Over the course of the 2021–22 season, Cunningham appeared in 64 games, starting all of them, and established himself as the Pistons' primary and scoring option. He missed the final 18 games due to a stress reaction in his left shin. Cunningham's rookie performance included averages of 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, while shooting 41.6% from the field and leading all in total minutes played at 2,088. His ability to facilitate the offense was evident in several triple-double threats, including a career-high 38 points and nine assists against the on February 2, 2022. For his contributions, he finished third in voting for the Kia NBA of the Year , behind winner and runner-up , accumulating 153 points from a panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters. At the conclusion of the season, Cunningham was named to the 2021–22 Kia NBA All-Rookie First Team as one of five unanimous selections, alongside Barnes, Mobley, , and Franz Wagner. This honor recognized his impact on a young Pistons squad that finished with a 23–59 record, highlighting his poise and versatility as a 6-foot-6 in his inaugural professional campaign.

2022–2023: Injury challenges

Cunningham began the 2022–2023 season strongly for the , appearing in the first 12 games and averaging 19.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game while shooting 41.5 percent from the field. However, lingering pain in his left shin, which had bothered him to varying degrees since , forced him to miss time starting in late . Diagnosed with a in his left , he initially attempted rest and rehabilitation for about a month, but the injury did not improve sufficiently. On December 16, 2022, Cunningham underwent successful to stabilize the and promote healing, marking the first major injury of his NBA career and sidelining him for the remainder of the season. The procedure was expected to allow a full recovery in time for the 2023–2024 , with an average rehabilitation timeline of four to six months. By mid-January 2023, approximately one month post-surgery, he reported being completely pain-free and remained engaged with the team remotely during his early recovery phase. In Cunningham's absence, the Pistons adjusted their backcourt rotation by elevating rookie to a larger role as the primary ball-handler, where he averaged 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.2 assists across 74 games. This shift provided Ivey with increased playing time and offensive responsibilities, contributing to his development amid the team's overall struggles, as they finished the season with a 17–65 record.

2023–2024: Return and growth

Cade Cunningham returned to the ' lineup in October 2023 following an extensive rehabilitation period from a in his left shin that had limited him to just 12 games the previous season. He made his season debut in the opener on , scoring 30 points and recording nine assists in a narrow loss to the , signaling a strong recovery and readiness to anchor the team's offense. Throughout the 2023–24 campaign, Cunningham demonstrated marked growth in his third NBA season, appearing in 62 games and posting career-best averages of 22.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game while shooting 44.4% from the field. One standout performance came on December 18, 2023, when Cunningham erupted for a career-high 43 points, along with seven assists and five rebounds, on 16-of-24 in a 130–124 loss to the —despite the defeat, it underscored his emerging scoring prowess and ability to carry the load during the Pistons' challenging 14–68 record. His improved playmaking and efficiency helped elevate the team's pace, as he ranked among the league's top assist providers and showed versatility in transition and pick-and-roll situations. Cunningham's development played a pivotal role in fostering the Pistons' young core, including talents like , , and , by providing leadership and facilitating opportunities for their growth amid a rebuilding phase. His consistent production not only boosted team morale but also highlighted the potential of Detroit's nucleus, setting a foundation for future contention despite the season's struggles.

2024–2025: All-Star breakthrough

On July 10, 2024, Cunningham signed a five-year, $224 million maximum rookie contract extension with the Detroit Pistons, the richest deal in franchise history at the time, which later increased to $269 million following his All-NBA selection due to performance incentives. During the 2024–25 regular season, Cunningham delivered a breakout performance, averaging 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game across 70 appearances while shooting 46.9% from the field. His leadership helped transform the Pistons from a lottery team into a playoff contender, finishing with a 44–38 record and securing the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. On January 30, 2025, he was named an Eastern Conference All-Star reserve for the first time in his career. Later that season, Cunningham earned his first All-NBA Third Team honors, recognizing his evolution into one of the league's premier playmakers. He also finished third in voting for the Kia NBA Most Improved Player award, behind winner Dyson Daniels and runner-up Ivica Zubac, after receiving 15 first-place votes from the media panel. Cunningham led the Pistons into the playoffs for the first time since 2016, making his postseason debut on April 19, 2025, against the in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round. In the six-game series loss, he averaged 25.0 points, 8.7 assists, and 8.3 rebounds per game, including a playoff triple-double of 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in Game 4. His scoring prowess and court vision were pivotal in Detroit's Game 2 victory—the franchise's first playoff win since 2008—highlighting his growth into a cornerstone .

2025–2026: Early season performance

The 2025–26 NBA season commenced in October 2025, with the opening their campaign on the road against the on , resulting in a narrow 111–115 defeat. As of January 6, 2026, through the team's first 36 games, the Pistons hold a 27–9 record, leading the Eastern Conference. Cunningham has averaged 26.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 9.6 assists per game while shooting 46.0% from the field. A standout effort came during the Pistons' 122–110 victory over the on November 1, 2025, in , where Cunningham tallied 21 points and a career-high 18 assists alongside six rebounds and three steals in 37 minutes of play. This performance underscored his growing playmaking prowess, nearly achieving a triple-double while facilitating teammate Duren's career-high 33 points. Another notable performance was on January 5, 2026, in a 121–90 victory over the , where Cunningham led with 29 points and 13 assists on 11-of-17 shooting. This win improved the Pistons' record to 27–9, maintaining their lead in the Eastern Conference. On February 5, 2026, in a 117–126 loss to the Washington Wizards, Cunningham tallied 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists, shooting 10-of-21 from the field and 10-of-13 from the free-throw line. The Pistons made 26-of-33 free throws (79%), with Cunningham leading the team in both makes and attempts from the line. On January 7, 2026, Cunningham was ruled out for the Pistons' home game against the Chicago Bulls due to a right wrist contusion. He had initially been listed as probable but was downgraded to questionable before ultimately being ruled out shortly before tip-off. With Cunningham sidelined, Jaden Ivey made his first start of the season at point guard. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff provided no updates on Cunningham's status or injury details during pre-game comments. Teammates Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert were available to play despite their respective injuries. Entering the season as a 2024–25 All-Star, Cunningham's early contributions have helped the Pistons build on their prior playoff experience—a first-round appearance after a 44–38 regular season—amid an ongoing push for Eastern Conference contention.

International career

FIBA Under-19 World Cup

Cade Cunningham was selected to represent the on the Men's U19 World Cup Team in June 2019, shortly after completing his junior year at in , where his standout high school performances contributed to his inclusion on the 12-man roster. The 2019 took place in , , from June 29 to July 7, with the entering as heavy favorites and ultimately securing the gold medal after an undefeated 7-0 run through the tournament. Cunningham played in all seven games, averaging 11.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and a team-high 5.7 assists per game, ranking third overall in the tournament for assists while showcasing his playmaking ability as a 6-foot-6 guard. In the gold medal game on July 7, 2019, against at the Nea Alikarnassos Arena, the defeated their opponents 93-79, with Cunningham delivering a game-high 21 points to go along with seven rebounds and seven assists, including 11 points in the final seven minutes to help seal the victory despite committing eight turnovers.

Post-youth international involvement

Following his success with the at the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, where he helped secure a , Cade Cunningham did not participate in the 2021 edition of the tournament, as he was ineligible due to age requirements limiting eligibility to players born on or after January 1, 2002. His focus during this period shifted to his lone college season at and preparations for the , after which he transitioned directly to professional . Cunningham has yet to be selected for the senior roster for major international competitions, including the 2023 and the . In 2023, recovering from season-ending left shin surgery performed in December 2022, he opted to join the Men's Select Team instead of the main roster to ensure full participation without risking further injury, stating, "I know everybody that's on the team is ready to go 100 percent. That's why I wanted to be on the select team, to be a part of it but also you know, get my body right." During Select Team scrimmages in , he impressed head coach by serving as a primary opposite stars like and . Amid his rising prominence in the NBA, including his 2025 All-Star selection and All-NBA Third Team honors, Cunningham has maintained a primary emphasis on duties and personal development following injury setbacks, with no further senior team invitations reported as of late 2025. Analysts have projected him as a strong candidate for future senior roles, such as the 2028 Olympics, given his size, playmaking, and prior experience.

Career statistics

NBA regular season

Cade Cunningham's NBA regular season career statistics are summarized below, reflecting his performance as a guard for the from his rookie season through the early 2025–26 campaign.

Per Game Averages

SeasonGPMPPTSTRBASTFG%3P%FT%USG%
2021–226432.617.45.55.6.416.314.84527.5
2022–231233.319.96.26.0.415.279.83730.0
2023–246233.522.74.37.5.449.355.86930.8
2024–257035.026.16.19.1.469.356.84633.2
2025–26*1137.027.55.49.9.436.288.80232.1
Career21934.222.35.47.7.448.342.84830.5
*Partial season as of November 16, 2025. GP = Games played; MP = Minutes per game; PTS = Points per game; TRB = Total rebounds per game; AST = Assists per game; USG% = Usage percentage. Data sourced from official NBA records.

Career Totals (Regular Season)

SeasonGPMINPTSTRBASTFG3PFT
2021–226420881114354356429/1031114/363142/168
2022–2312400239747293/22417/6136/43
2023–246220741405268464524/1167119/335238/274
2024–257024521830425638684/1457149/418313/370
2025–26*1140730259109106/24321/7369/86
Career21974214890118016391836/4122420/1150798/941
*Partial season as of November 16, 2025. MIN = Total minutes; FG = Field goals made/attempted; 3P = Three-pointers made/attempted; FT = Free throws made/attempted. Totals reflect play only.

Cade made his NBA playoff debut in 2025 during the first round of the Eastern Conference , marking the ' first postseason appearance since 2016. Prior to this, had no playoff experience due to the Pistons' poor records in his and seasons, compounded by his own significant injuries, including a in his left shin that sidelined him for most of the 2022–2023 season. The Pistons, as the No. 6 seed, faced the No. 3 in a best-of-seven series that they lost 4–2. In the series, Cunningham averaged 25.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists across six games, while also contributing 1.8 steals and 1.3 blocks per game, though he averaged 5.3 turnovers. His shooting efficiency was modest, with a of 42.4%, a low three-point percentage of 17.9% on 4.7 attempts per game, and an 83.3% success rate from the free-throw line. Standout performances included a 33-point, 12-rebound effort in Game 2, which helped secure a 100–94 road win for , and a near triple-double of 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in Game 4 despite a 93–94 home loss. These contributions highlighted his all-around impact as a and scorer in high-stakes games, building on his caliber regular-season form. The following table summarizes Cunningham's per-game statistics from the 2025 playoff series:
GameDateOpponentResultMinutesPointsReboundsAssistsFG%3P%FT%
12025-04-19@ NYKL 112-12339:0621612.381.250.800
22025-04-21@ NYKW 100-9442:2433123.524.250.833
32025-04-24vs NYKL 116-11842:2724711.400.400.667
42025-04-27vs NYKL 93-9442:26251010.478.000.750
52025-04-29@ NYKW 106-10337:202488.353.250.917
62025-05-01vs NYKL 113-11644:032378.409.000.833
Series Averages: 25.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 42.4% FG, 17.9% 3P, 83.3% FT (6 games played).

College

Cade Cunningham played his only college season with the Oklahoma State Cowboys in 2020–21, appearing in all 27 games and starting 26 as a . He averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, while recording 1.6 steals and 0.8 blocks, though he also averaged 4.0 turnovers. His scoring total of 544 points set an Oklahoma State freshman record. Per Game Statistics
CategoryValue
Games Played (G)27
Games Started (GS)26
Minutes Per Game (MPG)35.4
20.1
Field Goals Made (FGM)6.5
Field Goals Attempted (FGA)14.8
.438
Three-Point Made (3PM)2.3
Three-Point Attempted (3PA)5.7
Three-Point % (3P%).400
Two-Point Made (2PM)4.2
Two-Point Attempted (2PA)9.1
Two-Point % (2P%).461
Free Throws Made (FTM)4.9
Free Throws Attempted (FTA)5.8
Free Throw % (FT%).846
Offensive Rebounds (ORB)0.7
Defensive Rebounds (DRB)5.5
Rebounds Per Game (RPG)6.2
Assists Per Game (APG)3.5
Steals Per Game (STL)1.6
Blocks Per Game (BLK)0.8
Turnovers Per Game (TOV)4.0
Personal Fouls Per Game (PF)2.5
Total Statistics
CategoryValue
Total Minutes (MP)956
Total Points (PTS)544
Total Field Goals Made175
Total Field Goals Attempted400
Total Three-Pointers Made62
Total Three-Pointers Attempted155
Total Free Throws Made132
Total Free Throws Attempted156
Total Offensive Rebounds19
Total Defensive Rebounds148
Total Rebounds (TRB)167
Total Assists (AST)94
Total Steals (STL)43
Total Blocks (BLK)21
Total Turnovers (TOV)109
Total Personal Fouls (PF)68
Per Game Splits by Competition
SplitGMPGPPGRPGAPGFG%3P%FT%
Overall2735.420.16.23.5.438.400.846
Conference Regular (Big 12)1536.320.16.53.3.443.413.843
Big 12 Tournament336.723.76.34.0.444.367.857
NCAA Tournament236.519.54.52.0.265.316.789

Personal life

Family

Cade Cunningham fathered a daughter named Riley in 2018, during his senior year of high school at the age of 17. Riley resides in , splitting her time between her mother and Cunningham's parents, while he maintains an active co-parenting role through regular involvement and shared family moments, such as during the . The identity of Riley's mother has not been publicly disclosed, and Cunningham has kept details of their relationship private to protect their . Cunningham's older brother, Cannen, has served as a key mentor throughout his life, acting as his primary coach from childhood and providing ongoing guidance on and off the court. Cannen, a former player at SMU from 2012 to 2015, currently holds the position of assistant coach at . During Cunningham's NBA career transitions, including his entry as the No. 1 overall pick in 2021 and subsequent seasons, his family—including parents Keith and Carrie—has offered consistent emotional support and kept his inner circle close for advice and stability. Early athletic influences from his family, such as his father's background at Texas Tech, helped shape Cunningham's competitive drive.

Lifestyle

Cade Cunningham adopted a vegan diet in 2019 while in high school, initially experimenting with plant-based eating out of curiosity about its effects on his body and athletic performance. He has since maintained this lifestyle, emphasizing its role in fueling his recovery and energy levels as a professional athlete, often describing his approach as prioritizing for function over flavor. This dietary choice has contributed to his overall health regimen, helping him manage the physical demands of NBA play. Beyond , Cunningham has developed a keen interest in , frequently showcasing curated outfits and collaborating with high-end brands. In 2025, he partnered with Balmain for a campaign that highlighted his transition into the athlete-as-icon archetype in luxury , and he hosted an exclusive reception during to blend sports and style. His style choices, from draft-night tuxedos to custom Pistons-themed jackets, reflect a deliberate with contemporary menswear. Cunningham also engages with music, particularly the hip-hop scene, which he began exploring well before joining the Pistons. He has been name-dropped in songs by local artists like , and predicted his potential as Detroit's next prominent rapper in a May 2025 interview. This interest connects to his broader cultural ties to the city, where he listens to regional sounds as a way to immerse himself in its creative energy. In , Cunningham actively participates in community initiatives, focusing on education and youth development to give back to the area he now calls home. He donated $60,000 in 2024 to the to support health hubs and relief efforts, partnering with to install laundry facilities in schools to address chronic absenteeism caused by clothing issues. These efforts underscore his commitment to improving access to resources for local students. During the NBA offseason, Cunningham follows a structured routine centered on skill refinement and recovery, often training alongside his brother Cannen in locations like for sand-based conditioning and sessions to build strength and flexibility. He prioritizes ball-handling drills, cardiovascular endurance, and jump-shot consistency to prepare for the season, balancing intense workouts with downtime for relaxation and personal recharge. His family provides steady support in these decisions, reinforcing his disciplined approach to wellness. Cunningham's philanthropic activities extend to youth basketball programs, including hosting camps that teach fundamentals to young players; he launched such initiatives in 2023 to inspire the next generation through skill-building and mentorship.

References

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