Ever since being selected with the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft out of Oklahoma State, Cade Cunningham has become the face of the Detroit Pistons and established himself as one of the NBA’s top talents.
And while it took some time, he’s helped elevate the Pistons from an afterthought in the Eastern Conference to one of the League’s most competitive teams. It’s been quite the leap, going from 14-68 in the 2023-24 season to 60-22 this past season, earning their second straight playoff berth.
While the season ended in disappointment at the hands of the rival Cleveland Cavaliers, Cunningham is ready to turn the page and has been hard at work in preparation for the upcoming campaign.
Detroit Pistons Star Cade Cunningham Is Leading A Players-Run Minicamp
Not only has Cunningham established himself as the face of the Pistons and one of the NBA’s best players, but he’s also taken on the mantle of leader of the team.
According to ESPN NBA reporter Dave McMenamin, Cunningham is in the midst of leading a players-run minicamp in San Diego in preparation for the upcoming season.
“Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham is leading a players-run minicamp in San Diego this week, sources told ESPN,” McMenamin wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Should be a good way for Detroit to come together after the team’s first 60-win season in 20 years ended with a Game 7 loss in the second round vs. Cleveland.”
Cunningham and the Pistons are scheduled to officially open Training Camp on Sept. 29, with veteran players set to report the day prior. They’ll face the Phoenix Suns in their exhibition opener at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 5, and will open the regular season against the visiting Boston Celtics just over two weeks later on Oct. 20.
Cade Cunningham Is Looking For Bigger And Better Things For Detroit This Season
The Pistons, who picked up their first playoff victories earlier this spring since the 2008 campaign, are hoping for bigger and better things in 2026-27 with Cunningham leading the way.
This past season, he averaged 23.9 points per game, 9.9 rebounds per game, and 5.5 rebounds (and 1.4 steals) per game, helping Detroit put together their first 60 win season since 2005-06.
He’s also coming off the first season of his five-year, $224 million contract that runs through the 2029-30 NBA season.
Cade Cunningham Fully Embracing Pistons’ Leadership Role