It’s only preseason but someone clearly forgot to tell Cade Cunningham.
The former Oklahoma State star and current face of the Detroit Pistons has stormed out of the preseason gates looking less like a player warming up and more like a man on a mission. In just two games, Cunningham has poured in 46 points, grabbed nine rebounds, dished 10 assists, and added four steals, all in just 38 minutes of action. The numbers jump off the page, but even more impressive is how he’s getting them.
Confidence, control, and polish. This version of Cade Cunningham looks like a player on the brink of superstardom.
A New Cade: More Aggressive, More Efficient
In a league where superstars are often defined by their ability to score efficiently from all three levels, Cunningham seems to have taken that lesson to heart. Through two preseason games, he’s been relentless attacking the rim, methodical in the mid-range, and confident from deep. It’s the complete scoring package — and it looks like it’s finally all coming together.
One of the most noticeable improvements? Getting to the free-throw line and doing it often.
Against the Bucks, Cunningham drew eight free-throw attempts, all in the first half alone, and knocked down every single one. For a player who averaged just 5.3 attempts per game from the line last season, this is a big deal. Not only does it boost his scoring efficiency, but it also creates pressure on opposing defenses, potentially getting key defenders into foul trouble early.
It’s a formula that worked wonders for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who went from rising star to MVP last season largely because of his ability to live at the stripe. SGA attempted 8.8 free throws per game, and that alone added several extra points per night. If Cade can mirror that path and tack on an additional 3–4 points per game from the line, it could be the difference between fringe All-Star and legitimate MVP candidate.
Three-Level Threat: The Complete Offensive Arsenal
Cunningham hasn’t just been living at the free-throw line, he’s been scoring from everywhere.
He’s hitting threes off the catch and off the dribble, showing a smoother, more confident release. He’s slicing into the mid-range and knocking down shots with touch and balance. He’s finishing with craft around the rim, showing he’s fully comfortable with both hands in the paint. So far in preseason, he’s knocked down 50% of his threes, and while that number may regress, the form and shot selection are far more refined than in past seasons.
Cunningham shot 35% from deep over his first two seasons — a respectable mark, but not one that scared defenders. If he can bump that number up to 37% or 38%, it opens the floor in entirely new ways for both himself and his teammates. Defenses will have to guard him tighter on the perimeter, giving him more lanes to drive and more space to operate in pick-and-rolls.
This kind of three-level scoring, when paired with Cunningham’s natural playmaking ability, is the exact type of skillset that makes elite guards nearly impossible to guard in today’s NBA.
Leadership and Confidence at an All-Time High
Beyond the stats and the highlights, there’s a different energy around Cade this year. His leadership is more vocal. His body language screams control and confidence. He’s no longer just the most talented guy on the floor — he looks like the guy. The player teammates rally around and opponents scheme against.
That’s especially important on a young Pistons roster still trying to find its identity. Cunningham has embraced that responsibility. After battling injuries early in his career, he looks healthier, stronger, and more decisive than ever. And that’s dangerous news for the rest of the league.
From Stillwater to Stardom?
For those who followed Cade Cunningham at Oklahoma State, none of this is particularly surprising. He was always a composed, intelligent player with a mature approach and a relentless work ethic. At OSU, he carried the Cowboys with poise and efficiency, showing flashes of the all-around game that made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
But flashes are one thing. This preseason, it looks like the full picture is finally coming into focus.
Now entering his fifth NBA season, Cunningham is showing signs that the breakout everyone expected is officially underway. He’s still just 24 years old, but he’s playing like a seasoned veteran. If he can stay healthy, continue getting to the line, and keep his three-point efficiency trending up, the rest of the Eastern Conference — and the league at large — will have to take notice.
Final Thoughts
Yes, it’s only preseason. But it’s hard to ignore what Cade Cunningham is doing. The pace. The control. The improved scoring. The vocal leadership. This is a player who looks like he’s ready to lead a young Pistons team out of the lottery and into relevance.
And if this version of Cade holds up? Don’t be surprised if he enters the MVP conversation sooner than anyone expected.
Because right now, Cade Cunningham has gone past being the "future", he's here and he looks like the present.