The Detroit Pistons and their rising star, Cade Cunningham, seized the spotlight in a nationally televised showdown against the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, making the most of their opportunity.
The player delivered in the clutch, sinking a game-winning three-pointer in the final second to secure a dramatic victory. The win improved Detroit’s record to 39-31 – an impressive turnaround with 25 more wins than their total from the previous season.
Cunningham, who earned his first All-Star selection this year, has been playing at an elite level, and his teammate, center Jalen Duren, believes he deserves even more recognition.
According to Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press, Duren is adamant that Cunningham belongs on an All-NBA team.
“We’re still trying to make a case for that? Man. If you don’t know that by now, not only are you not watching us, you’re not watching basketball,” Duren said. “He’s been the best guard in the NBA all year, if you ask me. Watch the games, man.”
Beyond the prestige, an All-NBA selection would have significant financial implications for Cunningham.
After signing a five-year max rookie-scale extension last July, making an All-NBA team would trigger a salary bump, increasing his contract value from 25 percent of the salary cap to 30 percent – potentially adding tens of millions to his earnings.
Central Notes: Cunningham, Duren, Pistons' Durability, White, Allen, Mobley https://t.co/RZO1MstWEY pic.twitter.com/qYP08SRgZ0
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) March 20, 2025
